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Russian River Pliny the Elder

Russian River’s Pliny the Elder is probably one of the most hyped and sought after beers in the United States.  On the ratings sites, it’s consistently rated as one of the best beers in the world.  For the one or two people, who aren’t familiar with this beer.  It was named after the Roman naturalist and writer, Pliny the Elder, who is credited with being the first to name and write about the hop plant.  Additionally, this beer is considered to be the first ever Double IPA brewed in the United States.

The Label is covered with script telling you to drink this beer fresh and not to age it.  This bottle was from 7/25/2012.  It was consumed on 8/12/2012.

Appearance: Honey gold with an off-white head.  Good retention.  It’s also a very bright beer.

Aroma: Pine, moss, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Pineapple

Taste: Pinch of breadiness, hop resin-y sweetness with a good malt backbone.  Balanced.

Overall Impression: Is this the best beer ever brewed by humanity? No.  Is this the best beer ever brewed by Vinnie Cilurzo? No.  Is it worth the hype? Maybe, if you’re a hophead who only seeks out one style of beer.  Is this an amazingly balanced double IPA, absolutely.  This is a great beer.  There’s no doubt about that fact.  It’s consistent, balanced, flavorful, and the hoppiness is quite clean and in tune, unlike many hop bombs.  If you see it, grab a bottle.  You’ll enjoy it.  But I wouldn’t bother ordering one over the internet and paying huge shipping bills to get it after it’s sat in a hot delivery truck.

Availability: In select cities and bottle shops around the Western US and Philadelphia.

8% ABV

4 thoughts on “Russian River Pliny the Elder

  1. That’s pretty fresh. Thanks for the level-headed review. I haven’t had this since ’06 at Lupulin Slam III. I think you’re right, though. No sense killing yourself to get it, or getting it by means that may lessen the quality the beer. I think there are others that are reasonably obtained and that are probably about as good. Of course, that’s easy for us to say, as we’ve had it. 🙂

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