Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) Samuel Adams Utopias (2013) Barley Wine at 28% ABV (C$198.99 at NLC Howley Estates, 710 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 15-Jun-2018)
Appearance: cloudy medium amber with no head or lacing. (4/5) Aroma: boozy dark fruit, raisins, maple, earth. (9/10) Taste: moderately strong sweet, mild bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium-full syrupy body, flat carbonation, boozy finish. (4/5)
I first opened this very bottle more than two years ago, and tonight I finish it off with a full-to-the-brim final glass. And, as far as I can tell, it’s remained utterly unchanged in the intervening time, with the possible exception of the appearance being cloudier as a result of my pouring in the lees. There’s certainly no oxidation present, and since it was still to start with, there was no carbonation to lose. This basically looks, smells, and tastes like a sherry or a port, albeit a particularly strong one. The flavour remains smooth, with much less sweetness than expected, and though it’s hot, it’s not aggressively so. A unique brew that’s been a privilege to sample, and I freely admit to getting a little emotional over the bottle’s demise. (17/20)
8.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
