One hundred bucks for a 24-ounce bottle of beer? That’s the price Boston Beer is asking for its Sam Adams Utopias MMII, the strongest beer in the world. At 24 percent alcohol, it’s the buzz equivalent of a sixpack of Bud.
Sam’s says it’s been aged in scotch, cognac and port barrels for almost two years, then packaged in a copper bottle that looks like a brewing vessel.
How’s it taste? Beats me. They don’t pay Joe Sixpack enough to lay out that much for a brew.
But if you’re looking for a sip, contact Terry Soloman at ALE BrewsGram (BrewsGram@aol.
com) and complete this sentence: “If you are dumb enough to buy a bottle of Sam Adams Utopias MMII, then you’re dumb enough to . . . “
The most inventive entry will win the complimentary bottle Soloman received (and refused to open). Deadline is today.
Beer radar
Carlton and United Breweries (makers of Fosters Lager) says its research shows only 18 percent of draft beer sold in Australia is “pulled to perfection. ” Biggest mistakes, according to the Illawarra Mercury: unclean glasses and incorrect temperatures . . . Business at the 2-year-old Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant (1516 Sansom St., Center City) is so strong, they’re adding three fermentation tanks. Co-owner Curt Decker says that will double brewing capacity . . .
This month’s award for the Most Appropriately Named Defendant in a Sexual Harassment Case Involving a Budweiser Heir goes to (drum roll) . . . Peter Busch!
Calendar
Tonight – Brewer’s Reserve Night, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 147 E. Main St., Newark, Del, 8 p.m. Featured guest Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing will show off his dark, rich St. Victorious Doppelbock. Iron Hill will present its Grand Cru from West Chester, Saison from Media and a cask-conditioned version of Imperial IPA from Newark. Info: 610-627-9000.
Monday – Craft Brewer’s Guild winter beer dinner, Drafting Room (900 North Bethlehem Pike, Spring House), 6:30 p.m. Tix: $38.50. Info: 215-646-6116
March 2 – Fourth annual Main Line Brew Fest featuring area micros and tutored tasting, Desmond Hotel, Malvern, 12-4 p.m. Tix: $25. Info: 610-249-2104.
Also next month – The annual Book & the Cook festival includes no fewer than 10 beer-related dinners events. As always, they sell out early, so here’s fair warning:
March 17, 20 and 24 – Ruth Van Waerebeek, “Everybody Eats Well in Belgium,” at Cuvee Notredame (17th and Green streets, Fairmount). Belgian and Chilean specialties matched with Hoegaarden, Leffe, Belle-Vue, and Stella Artois Belgian beers. Info: 215-765-2777.
March 18 & 19 – Eric Tucker, “The Millennium Cookbook,” at Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant, (1516 Sansom St., Center City). Innovative cuisine matches up with brewer Brandon Greenwood’s innovative beers. Info: 215-569-9525.
March 19 – Stephen Beaumont, “Premium Beer Drinker’s Guide,” at Monk’s Café (16th and Spruce streets, Center City). Fruit beers of the world matched with dinner by chefs Tom Peters and Adam Glickman. Info: 215-545-7005.
March 22 – Michael Jackson, “Ultimate Beer,” at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology & Anthropology (33rd & Spruce streets, Center City). Beer dinner with world-renowed beer expert. Info: 215-898-3900.
March 23 – Michael Jackson, “Great Beer Guide,” at Penn Museum. This year’s tasting sessions (Tasting sessions at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.) focus on the differences between lager and ale. Info: 215-898-3900.
March 24 – Michael Jackson, “The Great Beers of Belgium,” at Monk’s Cafe. Jackson on his specialty, Flemish brews. Info: 215-545-7005.
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