Hump Day Happiness

Two weeks in a row with Southern Tier! I have a hard time justifying a bottle of beer priced at $17 so after some research I decided to pick it up. The results were, well, read on…

Southern Tier Curvee Series One
brewery: Southern Tier – southerntierbrewing.com
style: American Strong Ale
abv: 11%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: sniffer
price: $17

Overview
This is the first part in a limited series from Southern Tier Brewing. Series One was released this month with Two following in February 09 and finally Three in June 09. For more information check out the beers page of the Southern Tier website.

What I think
When I put money into a beer I have a certain level of expectations. In this case it came in a cardboard box with simple yet effective artwork and the bottle itself was impressive. Unfortunately the beer wasn’t. Not a fan of it. It tasted like the brewers were standing in front of the boil and said “Reginald, go open your lunch from mommy and lets see what we can use! Scurry! Scurry!”. It did pour a delightful copper color but had little aroma to be desired. The taste was a bland strong ale and got me to wondering if I had a bad bottle. Slights hops, little malt and quite frankly just a boring beer. Utterly disappointed but willing to revisit down the road. It was still an average strong ale which is why I give it the following grade.

Spoon’s rating: C-

Don’t rub your eyes, it’s not a mirage. That right there is the holy grail of beer. The rarest of rare (IMO at least). I present to you the 2002 Sam Adams Utopias. Currently on ebay this is going for $400 a bottle. Yeah, 1 bottle. This limited edition beverage was supposed to be a one time deal and each bottle is numbered.

I need to thank Drew for this one. He bought it when it was first released and while on his way here to visit me last week said “there’s no one else I’d rather drink it with who would appreciate it.” Imagine my amazement. Drew and I lived across the hall from each other at Pitt so we have a long history of beverages together.

from samueladams.com
“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. Its warm, sweet flavor is richly highlighted with hints of vanilla, oak and caramel. With an alcohol content of 27% by volume, its complexity and sweet, malty flavor is reminiscent of a deep, rich vintage Port, fine Cognac or aged sherry while being surprisingly light on the palate. And like the world’s finest after-dinner drinks, Samuel Adams Utopias is not carbonated and should be served at room temperature.”

Normally i’d type my review but guess what? Oh we’re not done, there’s VIDEO!

This is posted on the You Tube page for the SIDT podcast since we’re releasing it through the show. It’s almost 10 minutes long so crack open a beverage and enjoy!

OH! Also check out Episode 33 – Kiss our Blarney Stones which was just released also!

Links
Sam Adams website
Beer Advocate profile
Rate Beer profile