Russian River Pliny the Elder

Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
Santa Rosa, California USA

Pliny wasn’t as good as I was expecting. Maybe it was the hype and all that I read beforehand. I’ll admint that I had my preconceptions going into this beer. Maybe I hyped this beer up a little too much in my mind. I was really expecting a knock-out, but I didn’t get it. Don’t get me wrong....this was a great beer. But it missed the mark of all the talk and hype leading up to it. But it didn’t miss by much. This is still a fantastic beer. It poured a clear and sparkling dark golden color with a very generous off-white head. There was much lacing left around the glass, as well. The aroma was rich and full of hops, flowers, cumin, chili powder, toasted bread and earth. The body was silky smooth and completely drinkable. The flavors were profound and balanced, with rich notes of bread and malt, along with the tang and bitter tones of hops, grapefruit, orange peel and red pepper. The finish was quite bitter, hoppy and spicy, but was balanced with tones of bread and malt. This was defintely was a great beer; one that I drove through a very severe thunderstrom, with heavy rain, hail and lightning to taste. I was a little disappointed, but quite satisfied. Pliny just lacked that extra punch and the over-the-top hoppiness that makes a great double IPA. But I’m glad I finally got the opportunity to sample it.

Half dozen different bottles over a couple year period. Not much that can be added to whats already said. As IPA’s go this as about as good as they get.

On tap at Monks Cafe in Philly- appeared a hazy orange copper, thick sticky lacy foam head. Orange zest on the nose, citrus hops and zesty with some bitterness. Flavorful with a spritey dance on the palate, lacing in layers throughout.

fantastic. floral, citrus, malt, all balanced perfectly. buying this again.

Bottle. Pours a dark amber color with a nice frothy, off-white head. Aromas of hops but so much more such as malts, maple syrup, and some citrus. Palate is simply amazing as the beer is perfect - smooth at the beginning with a nice slick middle finishing in a clean manner. Flavor is even better as the beer is perfectly balances between the hops and malts. Somehow Pliny manages to drink like an IPA without smacking you around with the hops. This is the perfect beer.

On tap at Stone. Summary: One of the overall best DIPA’s I’ve ever had. Balanced, flavorful, long finish, true to style.

500ml bottle from a trade with bhensonb. pours a slightly hazed orange with minimal carb and sexy lacings. a small snow white head lingers across the cap. aroma of hops, with hops and hops. the flavour is of hops, hops, and hops. one dimentional in both the flavour and aroma because of the massive hops assault. it has a perfect mouthfeel and is quite balanced across the palate. pretty damn stunning! thx bill!

Bottle kindly shared by hallinghansen. Cloudy orange body with a medium steady off white head. Very fruity and hoppy aroma. Notes of citrus, grapefruit, peach, pine and light caramel. Creamy and smooth texture. The flavour is peach, citrus, passion fruit, grapefruit, caramel and flowers. Lovely! ery balanced, tasteful and refreshing.