The illegal beer that has become an object of fetishism: The strange story of Samuel Adams Brewery's Utopias

Produced every two years in a limited quantity of bottles, Samuel Adams Brewery's Utopias has become a cult object among American beer enthusiasts. Since its first production in 2001, the beverage has been making headlines. Partly because of its unconventional nature with an alcohol content of a staggering 28% vol., and partly because - and here's where it gets interesting - it is illegal in 15 (out of 50) American states.

One of the most alcoholic beers in the world

Produced with a blend of various batches of the brewery's most alcoholic beers, aged in a variety of barrels used for maturing Bourbon, Wine, Port, and other spirits. The result is a beer completely devoid of carbonation, with roasted notes and a "deep and rich malty smoothness reminiscent of vintage Port, Cognac, or a rare fortified French aperitif," as stated on the website. A beverage to be "sipped in a brandy snifter," as if it were a distilled spirit. Not exactly a Sunday afternoon football game beer.

A beverage illegal in 15 states

It might seem absurd, but the beer cannot be sold in 15 states (including Alabama, Arkansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia) due to post-prohibition laws still in effect. The phenomenon of alcohol prohibition, lasting from 1920 to 1933, was repealed with the 21st amendment, and alcohol regulations were widely decentralized and left in the hands of individual states.

Since then, each state has legislated, imposing restrictions on various aspects, including the alcohol limit that a beer could reach to fall within the category. With its 28 degrees of alcohol, Utopias often exceeds by far the limits imposed by states regarding the beverage category, hence its aura of "illegality."

Modern approach or excellent marketing strategy?

Utopias challenges our traditional concept of the beverage: aromas rarely found in other beers, experimental techniques, an alcohol content that aligns it more with spirits, and a premium price of $240 (approximately €220) per bottle. Yet, there are enthusiasts who, upon its release, desperately try to get their hands on one of the limited ceramic bottles that resemble the shape of copper kettles used in breweries.

A real treasure hunt starting from the official website, where it states, "Try finding it in specialty beer, wine, and liquor stores. It's hard to come by. Good luck." For the 2023 version, the brewery has added the label "Illegal in 15 States" to the outer packaging, giving it a touch of "forbidden" to make it even more enticing and continue to be the talk of the town.