WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – A newly released beer from Sam Adams, called Utopias, is so strong that it is illegal to sell in West Virginia and 14 other states.
The barrel-aged beer has a 30% alcohol by volume (ABV) and a suggested retail price of $240 per bottle.
Sam Adams describes Utopias as “one of the oldest, strongest, most extreme beers in the world.”
The 2025 edition of the beer is aged in a variety of barrels, including Irish Whiskey, Amarone, White Port, Ruby Port, Carcavelos, Cognac, and Scotch casks.
“We’ve always aged Utopias in charred whiskey barrels—some of which are up to 3 decades old—but this year we’ve added new barrels for an even more distinct flavor,” the company stated.
Due to its high alcohol content, Utopias requires special distribution and is only available at select specialty beer, wine, and liquor stores.
“We suggest you call up your favorite to see if they have a bottle,” Sam Adams said. “Price varies by market and, where the law allows it to be sold, availability is limited. Enjoy the hunt.”
West Virginia joins Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont in banning the sale or shipment of the beer.
