Russian River Pliny the Elder

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

Hazy amber with solid head and lacing. Extremely herby aroma, almost like marijuana. Very resiny, herby, slightly grassy hop taste, barely a trace of citrus. Just a hint of malt base, long herby finish, very subdued bitterness.

Poured a yellow, almost pilsener color with a nice lasting white head. Aromas of thick grapefruit, citrus, and floral aftertones. One of the most balanced DIPAs ever, with huge hop character backed my copious caramel malt with a satisfying and lasting bitter taste that is thick and chewy. Best beer of it’s kind by far!

(on tap at Falling Rock Tap House in Denver, CO). Cloudy, light orange color. Medium off white head. Strong hop/grapefruit aroma. Strong hop flavor with light pine. Long duration. Slick texture. Bitter, ligth astringent finish. Moderate carbonation. Fair lacing.

# 200. Bottle at the brewery. Clear yellow body, with a medium white head. Aroma is hops, grapefruit, grapes, fruit and sweet. Flavor is hops sweet fruit, grapefruit. The alcohol is well hidden. Smooth body, and a pleasant bitterness. I´m glad that I have one in my cellar.

Bottle from AndyReynolds. My first Russian River brew. Obviously strong hop aroma and flavors dominate this beer. Flavor is fantastic. Full of hop oils. Even has a slight fruity character. I was surprised at how strong the hop flavor was while not having an overly bitter finish. Very smooth considering how hoppy. I can’t wait to try this one again.

1. From the Jug at the GABF, Colorado Convention Center 12/10/2007 Fruity and very hoppy aroma. Small white head. Clear golden coloured hoppy and fruity with a crisp and bitter lasting finish. 2. On Tap at the Falling Rock Tap House, Denver 13/10/2008 Lots of carbonation. Very hoppy aroma. Small white head. Golden coloured crisp fruity and very hoppy with a little dryness in a bitter finish.

Originally reviewed 8/12/2008... Thanks to Joey from South Bay Drugs for keeping this in stock concurrent with our Coronado family trip-poured into Coronado Brewing pint glass... Golden honey body with sparse visible carbonation and ample head with nice texture and lacing. Of course I can smell the hops without trying. Very sweet, oily, bountiful hop aroma with velvety caramel malt backbone. Faint alcohol serves as a binder (or a catalyst). Can’t get better than this. Of course the floral hops dominate but there’s a malt nuttiness-almost peanut brittle-that mixes with the mild alcohol essence to create beautiful chemistry. Deep, well balanced yet hop-bitter citrus grapefruit puckering finish mellowed well by velvety caramel malt. First pour could use a little more carbonation to bring out all elements but warmth takes care of this. One of the best-a stellar example of the style.

Aroma screams floral hops, color is yellow orange with nice foamy white head.... Flavor is piney yet sweet, hops dominate from beginning to end, almost a citrusy bitter finish... Great beer through and through... Always loved this guy...