Brewer and founder of The Boston Beer Co., Jim Koch announced this month’s release of the 2011 batch of Samuel Adams Utopias. The barrel-aged strong, rich, uncarbonated dark beer is meant to be savored like a vintage fortified wine or fine cognac as a 2-ounce pour at room temperature in a snifter glass, the company says.
After a few lean years in the on-premise channel, analysts are predicting that establishments can expect a rebound in sales for 2011. Among the segments in the channel, alcohol sales at restaurants and bars are forecasted to increase 1.9 percent, according to Technomic Inc., Chicago.