After much research in beer books, brainstorming, and deliberation, we came up with "Pliny the Elder". Pliny, the man, lived in the first century- 23 to 79 A.D. According to our brewing references, he and his contemporaries either created the botanical name or at least wrote about Lupus Salictarius, or hops, currently known as Humulus Lupulus. That was a very early reference to an important part of any Double IPA! Pliny the beer has now become one of our flagship brews!
Cheers to the scholar, historian, officer, writer, and Roman Naturalist- Pliny the Elder!"
- Russian River Brewing Company
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| Not my best pour, I know :( |
Beer name: Pliny the Elder
Beer Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.0 %
Somewhere around 5 years ago this beer changed my palate and the way I tasted beers. After first hearing about Pliny, it took several months before I was able to try it, so my anticipation was high. Has anyone ever recommended a movie to you? They try and build it up saying how amazing it is and every time they see you they remind you of it. Maybe they can't even control themselves and start reciting lines from the movie. Your anticipation builds and you go into this movie expecting something great. Then when you watch it, it just seems like an average movie. Well that did NOT happen here and Pliny definitely lived up to its hype.
The aroma is packed with citrus and piney excellence. Although my pour did not do Pliny any justice, the body is gorgeous. The bold and rich gold body is crowned with a pearly white head. My first thought of the flavor is that it is FRESH!! The malt base compliments the hops perfectly, giving the initial flavor a slight sweetness along with a light bitterness. Then your palate is greeted with a refreshing bitterness done to perfection. Excellent beer!
The good folks over at Russian River have been brewing some fantastic beers since 2004 and the demand for their beers keeps increasing. But expanding their production has not gone any further than mild conversation between owners Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo. As much as I would like Pliny or Temptation or any other their beers to be readily available, I think some of the mystique behind their beers is that they are so exclusive, unless you live near the brewery. All I know is that every time I see a Russian River beer at the local bottle shop, I'm getting it. And you should too!
Hint: There are times when liquor stores and bottle shops here in San Diego have some Pliny in their back stock, you just have to ask them about it.
Beer Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.0 %
Somewhere around 5 years ago this beer changed my palate and the way I tasted beers. After first hearing about Pliny, it took several months before I was able to try it, so my anticipation was high. Has anyone ever recommended a movie to you? They try and build it up saying how amazing it is and every time they see you they remind you of it. Maybe they can't even control themselves and start reciting lines from the movie. Your anticipation builds and you go into this movie expecting something great. Then when you watch it, it just seems like an average movie. Well that did NOT happen here and Pliny definitely lived up to its hype.
The aroma is packed with citrus and piney excellence. Although my pour did not do Pliny any justice, the body is gorgeous. The bold and rich gold body is crowned with a pearly white head. My first thought of the flavor is that it is FRESH!! The malt base compliments the hops perfectly, giving the initial flavor a slight sweetness along with a light bitterness. Then your palate is greeted with a refreshing bitterness done to perfection. Excellent beer!
The good folks over at Russian River have been brewing some fantastic beers since 2004 and the demand for their beers keeps increasing. But expanding their production has not gone any further than mild conversation between owners Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo. As much as I would like Pliny or Temptation or any other their beers to be readily available, I think some of the mystique behind their beers is that they are so exclusive, unless you live near the brewery. All I know is that every time I see a Russian River beer at the local bottle shop, I'm getting it. And you should too!
Hint: There are times when liquor stores and bottle shops here in San Diego have some Pliny in their back stock, you just have to ask them about it.
Aroma: 9
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 9
Palate: 5
Style Rating: 10/10
Style Rating: 10/10
