Anyone familiar with the craft beer world has probably heard about Russian River’s flagship beer, Pliny the Elder. There’s an incredible amount of hype around this brew, so it was fitting that it be featured as one of my Sip of the Week posts.
I first had Pliny about a year ago when I visited Father’s Office bar in Santa Monica, California.
I was SO excited to see it on tap after hearing so much about this epic beer. Check out my full post about my trip to Father’s Office here…you’ll definitely want to read about one of the absolute best burgers in the entire USA.
Back to the beer!
Russian River Brewing Company originated in Santa Rosa, California. They specialize in super hoppy beers, and Pliny the Elder lives up to that reputation. Brewed with Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, and Simcoe hops, this beer packs a punch with every sip. It runs at 8% ABV, and about $6 for an 18oz. bottle (based on my purchasing experience).
Once hard to come by outside of the Sonoma County location, Russian River has recently began distributing this flagship beer more frequently and to further geographic boundaries. In fact, I’ve been seeing it on menus at taprooms near me in Ventura County. I recently acquired a few bottles (and a pint on draft) from my favorite tasting room in the area, Bottle and Pint. Finally, I’m able to give a proper review of this beer as a result!
I stand by what I said the first time:
The immediate flavors that come through from this beer are those of citrus and citrus zest. My first thought every time I sip is that I get the flavor of lemon peel, backed by lots of hops. It’s light in color, refreshing in taste, and overall a pretty balanced beer, particularly when it is consumed fresh.
Speaking of fresh, be sure to drink your Pliny fresh.
And if you miss the memo the first time, you’re sure to find about 10 others. Here’s how (part of) the label reads:
“Respect your elder, keep cold, drink fresh. Do not age! Pliny the Elder is a historical figure, don’t make the beer inside this bottle one! Not a barley wine style ale. Age your cheese, not your Pliny! Respect hops, consume fresh! Does not improve with age! Hoppy beers are not meant to be aged! Keep away from heat! If you must, sit on eggs, not on Pliny! Do not save for a rainy day! Pliny is for savoring, not for saving! Consume Pliny fresh or not at all!”
Get the picture?
My overall review:
Pliny the Elder is definitely a good beer. You can’t go wrong with ordering one, especially if it’s on tap (my pint at Father’s Office is still my favorite!). While this beer is clearly highly prized, I will also say that I’ve had plenty other beers, IPAs especially, that rival Pliny in terms of quality and flavor profile. Looking at you, Madewest.
Pliny the Elder is what I would call a “unicorn” beer. It’s highly sought after, fairly rare (although becoming less-so), and hugely popular. But, does that mean it is worth the hype? That’s up to you to decide for yourself.
What’s your take on “unicorn” brews? Worth the hype? The price (especially for those $20+ bottles!)? Or, simply overrated? Let me know in the comments below!
