This is the episode we've been building towards for years as we finally crack open one of the most legendary beers in the world: Sam Adams Utopias. After years of searching, a lucky find in the US, an anxious journey across the Atlantic, and plenty of excitement (and nerves!), we sit down together in the same room to experience Joanne's ultimate bucket-list beer. We dive into what makes Utopias so extraordinary, from its eye-watering 30% ABV and unique fermentation process to decades of barrel ageing, blending techniques and the remarkable story behind one of craft beer's most iconic releases. Along the way we explore why this beer inspires such devotion among drinkers and whether any beer can ever live up to that level of hype.

Of course, simply tasting Utopias once wasn't enough for us. We experiment with serving it in different ways, compare it to fortified wines and spirits we'd heard it likened to, and pick apart every aroma and flavour as we try to work out exactly where it sits between beer, barley wine and something entirely its own. There's plenty of geeky beer chat, honest first impressions, a healthy dose of apprehension about whether we'll actually like it, and the usual laughs as we inevitably question whether we're committing beer heresy before we've even taken the first sip. If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about, or whether a £200 beer could possibly be worth it, this is the episode for you.

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week we're ticking off another beer bucket list contender as we crack open Left Hand Brewing Company's iconic Milk Stout Nitro. A beer that has been winning awards, inspiring devoted fans, and confusing drinkers with its famous hard pour for over 25 years. We dive into the history of Left Hand Brewing, how they became pioneers of bottled nitro beer without using a widget, and why this creamy American stout helped revive the milk stout style for a whole new generation of beer drinkers. Along the way, we discuss nitrogen, lactose, sweet stouts, and whether all that nitro magic really lives up to the hype.

Of course, no Bucket List Beer episode would be complete without putting the beer to the test ourselves. We compare tasting notes, debate whether the chocolate, coffee or nutty flavours come through strongest, and discover just how dangerously drinkable a 6% stout can be. Plus, we accidentally turn the episode into a mini nitro pouring experiment, with mixed results and at least one beer-related disaster.

As a bonus, we also get the rare opportunity to try Left Hand's Peanut Butter Milk Stout Nitro together in person. Does it live up to the incredible peanut butter cup aroma? Is it worth hunting down if you spot it on your travels? And after all the awards, innovation and praise, does Left Hand Milk Stout deserve its place on every beer lover's bucket list? Grab a glass, pour hard, and join us as we find out.

That guy’s pour:

https://www.reddit.com/r/beerporn/comments/s0c6pj/left_hand_brewing_co_nitro_milk_stout_so_beautiful/

VinePair Article:

https://vinepair.com/articles/left-hand-brewing-milk-stout-guide/

Beer & Brewing Article:

https://www.beerandbrewing.com/style-school-authentically-american-wheat

Left Hand Brewing Co website:

https://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/milk-stout-nitro

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

Subscribe:

• Podbean
• iTunes
• Spotify
• TuneIn

Watch:

YouTube

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

This week on A Woman’s Brew, we’re swapping doomscrolling for good vibes and celebrating the wholesome side of beer. Feeling the effects of busy schedules, burnout and everyday chaos, we wanted to create an episode that feels like a warm hug in podcast form. Over a couple of carefully chosen beers, we share heartwarming stories from across the beer world that remind us why we love this community so much.

From dads learning to braid their daughters’ hair over alcohol-free pints at “Pints and Ponytails” events, to breweries raising money for first responders, beer-loving grandmas sharing their best drinking advice, and strangers whose small acts of kindness sparked unforgettable brewing adventures, we uncover the stories that made us smile. Along the way, we chat about friendship, community, swimming pool etiquette, thoughtful beer gifts, and the little moments that can make a big difference.

Whether you need a break from the noise, a reminder that there are still plenty of good people out there, or simply want to hear some lovely beer-related tales, this episode is for you. Pour yourself something tasty, settle in, and join us for a celebration of kindness, connection, and the feel-good side of beer.

The articles:

Pints & Ponytails news article:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdepydpgnnno

Tring brewery raises money for community first responders:

https://www.beerguild.co.uk/news/tring-brewery-announces-charity-collaboration-with-community-first-responders?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Advice from beer drinking grandmas:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/we-got-drinking-advice-from-adorable-beer-loving-grandmas/

Grandad tastes beer for the first time:

https://www.reddit.com/r/hyderabad/comments/pmsyys/my_grandfather_will_be_turning_92_tomorrow_and_he/

Reddit - acts of kindness:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Homebrewing/comments/jgtq1f/i_want_to_share_an_incredible_homebrew_story_with/

Communal NZ beer fridge:

https://tewahanui.nz/culture/communal-beer-fridge-a-first-for-new-zealand

Reddit random acts of homebrew kindness:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Homebrewing/comments/jg3a0g/random_act_of_homebrewing_kindness/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/

Email: awomansbrewpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrew

Tori: @adventures_in_hoptimism

Joanne: @lovebeerlearning

Jo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.uk

Support us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew

Join our 2025 drinking challenge here

Subscribe:

• Podbean
• iTunes
• Spotify
• TuneIn

Watch:

YouTube

Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com