Boston Beer Releasing Brew So Strong It's Illegal In 15 States

BOSTON — Samuel Adams beer maker Boston Beer Co. is gearing up to release its potent Utopias beer, and it's so strong it's illegal in 15 states.

Starting Oct. 11, those lucky enough to get their hands on the limited batch can experience a beer that's 28 percent alcohol by volume.

With a strength of 28 percent, the beer will cost $240 and be illegal in 15 states.

Beer lovers will be able to find it at select specialty beer, wine and liquor stores, where laws allow.

According to the brewing company, the beer was created with 2,000 pounds of cherries, including Michigan Balaton cherries, bringing a slightly sweet flavor with a touch of tartness.

Boston Beer releases Sam Adams Utopias every other year, but this particular batch of Utopias dates back nearly three decades while it aged in wooden bourbon casks.

The brewing company says it also aged a portion of the blend in Sauternes French oak wine casks, which is said to bring subtle notes of honeyed apricot and caramel.

The beer is designed to be served at room temperature, in a snifter or coupe glass.

Boston Beer Co. describes it as an "extreme" beer, often comparing it to a complex port or cognac.

People can buy the beer after Oct. 11 in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and Connecticut, but not in New Hampshire or Vermont because of its alcohol percentage.

Utopias is illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.