2009 Sam Adams Utopias

Anyone else able to snag a bottle of this? I believe the 2009 vintage has just been released. I was fortunate enough to get one bottle on hold for me at Binnys.

I think it's called Utopias.

I called Binny's and they said they were selling it for $170 per bottle. I thought about it and eventually decided that's too much for one bomber of beer. I've had it at festivals and it's really a great brew, but I just can't justify the price.

Also I stopped by Armanetti's on Lincoln yesterday, and they said they had 6 bottles in stock. It doesn't seem like it's flying off the shelves.

Really? It might be worthwhile to grab a few and resell on ebay. They are selling for north of 200 bucks, older vintages even more than that. 170 bucks is quite a bit for 24oz of beer, but every beer aficionado whose tried it have said its worth it to try it at least once.

Anyone tried it yet? I just picked a bottle up, the first time I have ever seen it in a store. I assume the down economy is stopping people from spending 165 on it.

SSDD

just saw it in my local bar for 226.

jpschust wrote:just saw it in my local bar for 226.

Wow, there were looking to see the bottle in one shot? My understanding is it should be imbibed more like a good Scotch, Sherry, ect.... Research is needed.

SSDD

My impression is that these beers aren't really true to the tradition of what beer is. They're more like publicity stunts. In that respect, I disagree with this article.

I heard they tweaked the recipe just a bit, although I suppose each year is a unique blend of various age statements, wood finishes, and yeast strains. If you consider that this is possibly the most expensive beer in the world, it is pennies compared to the most expensive bottle of wine or spirit. But, it is an investment in an experience of imbibing...which does it for some, not so much for others. At 25abv or so, I consider it similar to sipping a bit of Madeira. Seriously crazy.

Sitting on a bottle of 2008. Nom nom.

Cheers,
Rachel

racheld wrote:
Sitting on a bottle of 2008. Nom nom.

Just an FYI, if you purchased the bottle in 2008 it is likely from the 2007 vintage. Sam Adams only does Utopias every other year.

Now that it is a year older, are you ready to drink it?

What Sam Adams is selling is known in Marketing as 'Exclusivity'. For a little money(relatively speaking), one can supposedly have the 'best in life' where in reality the only thing that happens is you get seperated from your money, Sam gets your money and some free advertizing.-Dick