Posted on 09/19/2021 9:25:03 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
Samuel Adams just created a new beer that’s so strong, it’s illegal — in 28 states, at least.
The brand just released its 12th batch of Utopias beer, according to a press release from the company. Utopias, which is barrel-aged and released every two years, is described by the company as “a spirited blend of multiple batches of our extreme beers.” This particular batch was finished with 2,000 pounds of cherries and offers “subtle notes of honeyed apricot and caramel to the rich layers of flavor.”
The reason it’s illegal in 28 states, however, has to do with its alcohol by volume (ABV), which stands at 28%.
For those who want to get their hands on a bottle (legally, of course) you’ll have to pay a bit more than your average six pack. A bottle of the latest batch of Utopias retails for a suggested price of $240.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
Heresy!
Pass. The last time I tried anything like that it was a Guinness Stout ice cream float. Some very good things are better enjoyed separately.
I was drinking 11% ABV beer in Belgium and I thought that was strong. Then again it was less that $1 for a 17.5 ounce can.
We used to drink PBR cause it was cheap. $240 a bottle would rule it out at the gitgo.
Loved that Makers Mark tour. And you get free samples at the end including the clear moonshine version.
Or, you could just drink a six-pack of the regular stuff. About the same amount of alcohol for a lot less money.
But a lot more trips to the bathroom.
“Sounds more like Barlywine to me. Heck, it’s stronger than most fortified wines (that are usually around 20%).”
I agree with you on the alcohol content problem. But don’t buy into the illegal serving problem. I’m willing to bet it has to do with each state tax and federal excise tax on sales. The states set their limits and base it on content. The feds do also.
The U.S. government collects these alcohol taxes per gallon: Beer…….$18.00... Wine…….$1.07 to $3.40 depending on alcohol content...Spirits……$13.50
The federal government collects about one billion dollars per month from excise alcohol taxes on spirits, beer, and wine.
https://www.alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org/alcohol-taxes-on-beer-wine-spirits/
So I think it is safe to assume (hate that word) that the problem is not getting it served, but each state that disallows it is not able to get it into the proper tax status since it is called a beer and not wine or spirits. They may get more for beer, but it creates a slippery slope as to the proper alcohol content versus how the estimation is made. Slippery slope.
wy69
“I live in bourbon country. I’ve learned that all bourbon starts with beer (and not a very tasty beer). “
Bourbon must use at least 51% corn. Whiskey is distilled beer which uses malted barley.
“..with 2,000 pounds of cherries and offers “subtle notes of honeyed apricot and caramel to the rich layers of flavor.”
If I want fruit flavor I’ll buy juice or flavored brandy, thank you.
Exactly. Sam Adams lost me when they started supporting leftist causes.
Deep Ellum has an IPA at 9.5 ABV. Called Dream Crusher. And damn tasty!
Real beer doesn’t have fruit in it.
“Just take a Sam Adams and add grain alcohol. Same thing.”
Nope.
True.
—”Whiskey is distilled beer which uses malted barley.”
A guy I worked with for many years owned a winery/vineyard on the side.
He liked to tell of the synthetic wine shown at the trade shows.
He said not yet but close.
I recall a few years back synthetic whiskey was a thing.
Barley or corn, what difference does it make if it is easily faked?
As a lifelong teetotaler, I’m not into this topic.
That said, an anti-teetotaler neighbor insisted I taste his Blue Label $$$.
Surprisingly to me, the flavors were pleasant?
And the alcohol component is decidedly less noxious than the gas-o-hol I inhaled while siphoning into the mower.
Did this happen after one or two glasses of Utopias? Perhaps we are judging this brew too hastily...
“It’s a fortified beverage, not beer by definition.”
Please source that.
“Yeast dies above a 14% alcohol concentration so they are adding alcohol to make it 28%.”
It is 22% by volume. Article should say 28% by weight. Champaign yeasts routinely go to 18%. Other yeasts can go to 22%.
Alabama beer limit is 13.9%.
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