Sam Adams - Utopias 2011

Truly the epitome of brewing's two thousand year evolution, Samuel Adams Utopias® offers a flavor not just unlike any other beer but unlike any other beverage in the world. The 2011 release is a blend of batches, some having been aged up to 18 years in the barrel room of the Boston Brewery, in a variety of woods. SA aged a portion of the beer in hand-selected, single-use bourbon casks from the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest batch also spent time in Sherry cast from Spain, Madeira casks from the island of Madeira, and Port casks from Portugal.  This flavorful, slightly fruity brew has a sweet, malty flavor that is reminiscent of a deep, rich vintage port, fine cognac or aged sherry.

The history of Samuel Adams Utopias comes from the extreme beers of Triple Bock (see my review for the 1997) and Millenium that came before it. With those brews SA began the exploration of aging beer in barrels for a different flavor contribution. With Utopias, SA took that process to another level by introducing a variety of casks that the beer was aged in, each offering their own unique flavor. SA also experimented with blending different vintages of beer to create its final character. The idea of aging in casks and blending was inspired by the techniques of whiskey makers in how they were able to craft the taste of their liquid from several of these elements. SA expanded that notion to include casks of different origins. Applying these techniques to beer not only led to a completely unique beer, but also to a new taste experience.

The ABV is 27.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Very Strong Ale
Glass to use - A small Snifter or Tulip Glass
Delivery - 750ml Bottle; 1oz sample

Should be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a clear dark brown color with no head. No lacing but a thick clear coating on the glass.
Aroma - Boozy - Sherry and Bourbon, lots of figs and plums and caramel.  Burns the nose hairs.
Taste - Sweet, chocolate, strong fig taste up front that gives way to the alcohol that lingers to the end.. Liken to a sweet Cognac. 
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, full body, alcohol burn all the way through.
Drinkable - Nice, definitely needs to age!  Burning after taste last a while.  I plan to age my two bottles for 10-15 years.  This compares to a fine Sherry, Brandy, Cognac or aged Port.

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese.  Enjoy it as an after dinner drink.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating = 100