# Sam Adams Utopias has an ABV of 28 percent. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 18, 2019, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928 "2019-10-18T00:01:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/21 "2019-10-18T13:46:57Z")
The strongest beer I’ve ever had was an 18% ABV Dragon’s Milk special. Aged in whiskey barrels, it smelled and tasted like whiskey. And the alcohol presence was so strong that you could feel it in your throat. It was damn near like sipping on a whiskey. (It took me about 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon to finish one 12 oz. bottle.) ---
**Author:** ![txjim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f07891/32.png) [@txjim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txjim)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/22 "2019-10-18T14:07:52Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Utopias won’t be available in Arkansas. I could easily drive to Texarkana and buy it in Texas. That’s a lot of trouble for a high ABV beer. > > One bottle at a Halloween party and I’d ask my wife to drive us home. It’s not worth taking the chance of a DUI. > > I am curious how it tastes. Perhaps you can get a play-by-his-own-rules truck driver and his gear-pushing friend to go to Texarkana for you and drive it back! I suspect hijinks will follow and he’ll have the law following him the whole way. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/23 "2019-10-18T14:15:35Z")
> [@txjim](#): > > Perhaps you can get a play-by-his-own-rules truck driver and his gear-pushing friend to go to Texarkana for you and drive it back! I suspect hijinks will follow and he’ll have the law following him the whole way. I have a feeling that they¡s have very little time to get there due to the extremely short supply of this beer. And that’s a pretty substantial distance. The drivers might say they can do it, but I’ll bet most people would say it couldn’t be done. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/24 "2019-10-18T14:24:39Z")
I got a bottle of Sam Adams triple bock back in maybe 1998. 17.5%, and man it was strong. I think it was good, hard to remember now. I was just dipping my toes in to beer at the time, so I may not have appreciated it. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/25 "2019-10-18T16:08:51Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I am curious how it tastes. I helped drink a bottle ($20 a shot) at a bar one year. It was syrupy, delicious. I lucked out, since I was the one who asked the bartender to crack the seal. I paid for and drank one shot, then she gave me a second. After everyone who wanted any had theirs, the bartender poured what was left into my glass. Three shots of beer and I was buzzed. ETA: there was a scam on EBay briefly, where people listed Utopias bottles for $65 plus shipping. Buyers thought they were getting a great deal, until their empty bottle arrived. ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/26 "2019-10-18T17:23:10Z")
[Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA](https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/120-minute-ipa) is quite good. Varies from year to year from 15% to 20% (I think I’ve seen 22, but …). It has a complex sweet taste like a light liqueur. While the website says it’s the “Holy Grail” for hop-heads, I find that their 90- and 60- minute IPAs are more distinctly hoppy. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/27 "2019-10-18T17:36:46Z")
I don’t actually know much about beer flavor. It seems a lot of high-ABV beers taste very sweet to me. What’s that from, leftover malt? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/28 "2019-10-18T17:48:26Z")
> [@Tinker\_Grey](#): > > [Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA](https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/120-minute-ipa) is quite good. Varies from year to year from 15% to 20% (I think I’ve seen 22, but …). It has a complex sweet taste like a light liqueur. While the website says it’s the “Holy Grail” for hop-heads, I find that their 90- and 60- minute IPAs are more distinctly hoppy. I was at an event a few years ago that had four vintages of 120. The initial tasting was a tiny sip of each of the four, with a discussion following each sip. Then I had a real swallow of each of the four, with more discussion after each swallow. After that, I was just taking swigs of whatever and the “discussion” involved more and more “singing”. Got to hand it to the guys in Delaware! ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/29 "2019-10-18T19:46:51Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I was at an event a few years ago that had four vintages of 120. The initial tasting was a tiny sip of each of the four, with a discussion following each sip. Then I had a real swallow of each of the four, with more discussion after each swallow. After that, I was just taking swigs of whatever and the “discussion” involved more and more “singing”. > > Got to hand it to the guys in Delaware! I’ve rarely been disappointed in their offerings. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2019, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/30 "2019-10-18T23:30:32Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The high ABV makes it illegal in 15 states. > [@](#): > > This includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia. Paraphrasing Group Captain Ramsey from “The Great Escape”: “No, Ohio’s not on the list.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/31 "2019-10-19T00:54:15Z")
> [@Tinker\_Grey](#): > > I’ve rarely been disappointed in their offerings. When we go to Rehoboth Beach I often get an aged 120 or World Wide Stout. They’ve never disappointed me. Not much chance I’d ever pay a couple hundred dollars for anything that will be gone in 2-3 hours, though. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/32 "2019-10-19T12:31:54Z")
> [@P-man](#): > > Not much chance I’d ever pay a couple hundred dollars for anything that will be gone in 2-3 hours, though. Yeah, but. I’m a cheapskate at heart, but sometimes it’s worth every penny. I have a friend who is really into wine, and has an extensive cellar. A few years ago he gave me a bottle of wine from his collection as a gift. He told me it was his favorite vintage. Looking it up online, I saw it at auction going for $500. Even though it didn’t cost me a cent, it was hard to open that bottle. But man, it was tasty. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/33 "2019-10-19T13:13:05Z")
I’m not trying to be a jerk, here. I’m genuinely curious. What makes it so great as a beer? I’m not a beer guy, admittedly, but what’s being described seems un-beerlike. Is it somehow superior to just getting a good rum or brandy (my drinks of choice). ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/34 "2019-10-19T13:26:58Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > I’m not trying to be a jerk, here. I’m genuinely curious. > > What makes it so great as a beer? I’m not a beer guy, admittedly, but what’s being described seems un-beerlike. Is it somehow superior to just getting a good rum or brandy (my drinks of choice). It’s unique! Something to mention when talking beer with other beer snobs.🙂 I once tried a beer that, as part of its production, was aged in casks that had once held scotch. I hated it, but it definitely was unique. So I ordered another, and forced myself to drink it. By the fourth glass I was beginning to really appreciate the beer. I would have gotten a growler to take home with me, but the keg kicked. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/35 "2019-10-19T13:34:27Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > It comes in an “I Dream of Jeannie” style bottle, which changes slightly each year. It’s the top of a fermenter. ETA, [like this](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nP-skp6pZjo/S84gNrjKQWI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/uIlclPRnggY/s800/IMG_5816.JPG). ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/36 "2019-10-19T13:35:49Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > I’m not trying to be a jerk, here. I’m genuinely curious. > > What makes it so great as a beer? I’m not a beer guy, admittedly, but what’s being described seems un-beerlike. Is it somehow superior to just getting a good rum or brandy (my drinks of choice). It’s that it’s _different_. Alcohol is interesting in that, for just a mildly simple process (let yeasts do their thing in an anerobic environment for a bit), it can be so varied. I haven’t had Utopias, it’s on the bucket list. I tend towards high ABV drinks because I’m a big guy. (6’6", 265 lbs)…if I DON’T have an 8% or higher beer, I just get bloated and sober. I had an 'ultimate Black and Tan [http://www.thebeercircle.com/dogfish-head-heaven-hell/](http://www.thebeercircle.com/dogfish-head-heaven-hell/) and it was a $40 drink across two 12oz bottles of beer. I was wrecked. It was VERY heavy and VERY alcoholic. Something like the Utopias is a shared experience kind of thing. I couldn’t see a person buying it, then drinking it alone in one session. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/37 "2019-10-19T17:09:14Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > I’m not trying to be a jerk, here. I’m genuinely curious. > > What makes it so great as a beer? I’m not a beer guy, admittedly, but what’s being described seems un-beerlike. Is it somehow superior to just getting a good rum or brandy (my drinks of choice). What kayaker said, plus it does ‘taste good.’ It has complexity in the nose on par with a decent brandy, IME. Different notes obviously, but a drink that also changes aromatically as it sits in the glass. ---
**Author:** ![neofishboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/neofishboy/32/444_2.png) [@neofishboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neofishboy)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/38 "2019-10-19T20:16:51Z")
> [@Tinker\_Grey](#): > > [Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA](https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/120-minute-ipa) is quite good. Varies from year to year from 15% to 20% (I think I’ve seen 22, but …). It has a complex sweet taste like a light liqueur. While the website says it’s the “Holy Grail” for hop-heads, I find that their 90- and 60- minute IPAs are more distinctly hoppy. My wife and I take a vacation to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area every year and for the last three there’s been a fish and chips place that serves pints of this for 5 bucks. Since 12oz. bottles normally sell for more than $10, I always feel like I’m getting away with something. ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/39 "2019-10-19T20:53:46Z")
> [@neofishboy](#): > > My wife and I take a vacation to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area every year and for the last three there’s been a fish and chips place that serves pints of this for 5 bucks. Since 12oz. bottles normally sell for more than $10, I always feel like I’m getting away with something. $10 is how much I pay for a bottle. Occasionally, a beer emporium will have it on tap during happy hour for $4 … if they haven’t already sold out. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2019, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928/40 "2019-10-19T21:11:59Z")
At 28% ABV, can you really call it beer? When it’s that high, doesn’t it fall into a different category of alcoholic beverages? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-adams-utopias-has-an-abv-of-28-percent/841928.md?page=3)