The subject of my blog this week is an interesting combination of beer and tobacco. For those who follow the world of craft beer closely, Sam Adams Utopias usually attracts a lot of attention. For those who are not familiar, Utopias is a rare and limited production beer, extremely high in alcohol content and even higher in price. A single pint bottle will run you just over $200. The good news is the beer can be enjoyed over an extended period of time. I liken it more to a sherry than a beer, so cracking the seal won't cause it to spoil if not consumed immediately.

Utopias

So what does this fancy beer have to do with cigars? It just so happens that Ted's Cigars, the same folks that bring you Maker's Mark infused cigars, have used the same process, then add the essence of Utopias to a premium hand rolled stick. Just like the Utopias beer that infuses it, this cigar is equally as scarce. As a matter of fact, the cigar that I am using for this review is just one of two that was given to our company. There were not enough made for us to offer them for sale to our guests. I normally don’t like to discuss things that are impossible to find, but I thought the unique nature of this cigar deserved a little attention.

This cigar is made in the Dominican Republic, but is enhanced with the Utopias flavors in Louisville, KY. The beer used in this cigar is the 2013 edition. This particular "vintage" incorporated some of Sam Adams Kosmic Mother Funk into the blend, which attributes a lot more fruit characteristics. I will have to take their word on that last part, as I have not tried the 2013. The Utopias I last tried was from 2011 I believe.

The taste of the cigar certainly takes on a fruity characteristic. Sweetness is not an uncommon flavor in the early stages of cigars, but berry flavors are a different story. There is a nice Port wine taste even before you set fire to foot. The smoke is creamy and the cigar burns exceptionally well. As I smoke the cigar past the first there is a mild oak flavor with a hint of leather, but the fruit flavor always lingers. You can tell that you are smoking a premium cigar and not a short-filled machined cigar that can purchased at the counter of most gas stations. The quality and construction of the cigar is evident throughout. I do have to say that the final third of the experience got a little bitter. Maybe a few sips of Utopias would have helped soften it up a bit. Overall, I would give this cigar a “try it” rating similar to what I did last week with the Kentucky Fire Cured from Drew Estate.

Infused and flavored cigars aren't what I normally reach for in the humidor, but I do enjoy them on occasion. They are a nice change of pace smoke.  If you are a beer lover and have a chance to grab one of these then go for it. If you have a chance to pair the cigar with a glass of Utopias, then make sure you invite me over. I'll bring the cutter, lighter and bottle opener.  It’s the least I can do.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.