‘Extreme beer' so potent that it's banned in 13 states

BOSTON (AP) — It is banned in 13 states and sure doesn't come in a six-pack.

The maker of Samuel Adams beer has released an updated version of its biennial beer Utopias — now the highest alcohol- content beer on the market. At 27 percent alcohol by volume and $150 a bottle, the limited release of the brandy-colored Utopias comes as more brewers take advantage of improvements in science to boost potency and enhance taste.

“Just part of trying to push the envelope,” said Jim Koch, founder and owner of the Boston Beer Co., the maker of Sam Adams. “I'm pushing it beyond what the laws of these 13 states ever contemplated when they passed those laws decades ago.”

By law, these specialty drinks still are classified as beer when they are based on fermented grain.

Paul Gatza, director of the national Brewers Association, based in Boulder, Colo., said new yeast research allowed brewers to experiment with the emerging science that pushed the traditional cap of 14 percent alcohol by volume for beer.

A few states have adapted their laws to allow for the emerging craft brew market. Alabama and West Virginia recently passed laws to allow higher alcohol content in beer. Lawmakers in Iowa and Mississippi are considering similar legislation.

Utopias has reached its unique strength through a 15-year aging process in barrels at the Boston Beer Co.'s brewery in Boston. It's aged and finished in wooden containers like Scotch whisky barrels and sherry casks.

A quick sip unveils a cognac-like hit combined with vanilla, honey and maple flavors.

The long production cycle limits its availability to once every two years.

Thirteen states prohibit its sale because its alcohol content exceeds the legal limit for beer: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

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