Russian River Brewing Company – Pliny the Elder
Before opening: Words cannot express how excited I am to dive in to this brew. A perfect 100 rating on Beer Advocate, #2 most sought after IPA in the country- and I have a crowler sitting right next to me. I was fortunate enough to get this from my sister and brother in law as they visited the Falling Rock Tap House during their visit to Colorado. It’s just not present here… So when you find it, you grab it. Enough talk… Let’s get in to it.
Alc by vol.
8.8%
Canned:
02 FEB 21 | Best consumed Fresh ASAP
Style:
Imperial/Double West Coast IPA
Message from label:
A true leader in the hop-wars of the west coast, Pliny the Elder hits you over the head with hoppy bitterness and manages to smooth the rough edges out enough to become an enjoyable brew
Beer Experience:
Poured from a 32oz Crowler into a Tulip Glass
Appearance:
Pours like a typical west coast IPA. Not hazy, medium dark color. On the pour sits 2 fingers of bubbly foamy head. Bubbles are loose and dissipate rather quickly.
Aroma:
Loads of pine and slight citrus. Hops hops hops are what follows. This smells like a true west coast style IPA. No juiciness, no haze, no sweetness… just loads of hops atop a crisp, clean smelling brew.
Taste:
Mildly sweet with a crisp, floral, pine, and hoppy flavor profile. the hops dissipate quickly in to a dry finish that leave you wanting another sip. This brew is made from Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, and Simcoe hops. My palate is advanced enough to recognize all of them individually. CTZ and simcoe hops have quickly become one of my favorite over the last few months.
Finish:
clean, crisp, and semi-dry, which leaves you begging to take another sip. I almost feel guilty sipping on this beer, because it begs you to just keep going. But i cannot go too fast- the 8.8% catches up to me quick, and I need to slow down. Damn you and your trickery, Pliny!
Summary:
Those that are lucky enough to experience Pliny the Elder will understand the simplicity of this brew. I like the fact that in a world of hazy, juice bombs and super dank peel your face hoppy IPAs, this west coast IPA is no frills- and it does a damn good job at doing so. This is not a beer that you take a sip of and say man this is different than anything I’ve had before. it’s a beer that you take a sip and say “man this is a good break from all the weird IPAs that are out there, and I’m glad the classic west coast IPA still exists.” Well done, Russian River Brewing. As with the last (and only other) time I’ve been able to enjoy this brew, you’ve done a damn good job of keeping it real.
