On Saturday I got to try Utopias, Sam Adams’ 27% Alc. $165 dollars a bottle beer. It is the strongest beer in the world.

My buddies Greg and Mo opened it for their anniversary and were kind enough to invite me over  to try some. As you might guess the beer is unlike any other in the world. It’s uncarbonated and tastes more like brandy or sherry then any beer I’ve ever had, but boy howdy, was it delicious. It smelled and tasted  not unlike maple syrup, but in a really controlled, balanced, and boozey sort of way. I’ve lusted after Utopias for quite a while now so it was really nice of Mo and Greg to let me in on the goods. They Rock.

Is it worth the outrageous price tag? I haven’t a clue. I can assure you this was not cheap for Sam Adams to make, but they’ve so clearly placed this in a league by itself that there’s really nothing to compare it too. To put things in context the next most expensive beer I’ve ever had, Trappist Westvleteren 8 which can only be purchased directly from the monastery in Belgium that produces it, cost me $20 for a 12oz. Some of the price  for Utopias clearly goes into the elaborate bottle it comes in, which is modeled  after a brewing tank. I suppose Sam Adams figured they’d go all out, because anyone who buys it is clearly doing the same thing.

One of the best part of the experience was watching every one’s reaction who tried it, I really wish I had taken photos of the facial expressions. Even the non-beer drinkers present were impressed, although several were absolutely convinced that it wasn’t beer we handed them but something else entirely

I took a few blurry photos with my camerphone, but they don’t quite capture the mood.