Sam Adams' $199-per-bottle beer is illegal in 12 states

Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Brewing company Sam Adams announced the release of a beer that costs $199 per bottle -- and is illegal in 12 states.

The company said Utopias, a beer brewed by Sam Adams every two years, is headed back to stores for its 10th iteration, which boasts an alcohol content of 28 percent.

"Brewing, aging, and blending Utopias is a multi-step, time-intensive and complex process," Sam Adams said on its website. "At 28 percent ABV, this brew is reminiscent of a rich vintage Port, old Cognac, or fine Sherry with notes of dark fruit, subtle sweetness, and a deep rich malty smoothness."

Only about 13,000 bottles of the 2017 version of Utopias are being offered at a price of $199 per bottle.

The scarcity of the beer is augmented by the fact that it's high alcohol content actually renders it illegal in 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.