Pliny The Younger - Russian River Brewing Company

kevanb

Illinois

4.7/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on Feb 4, 2012 at RR in Santa Rosa.

It pours a beautiful copper color, surprisingly crystal clear but no bubbles to be seen. There is a TINY head that lasts for about 2 seconds but does leave a stark white ring of film around the circumference of the glass, and a tiny soapy layer on top of the beer. The aroma is incredible, big citrus notes, notably grapefruit and bitter lemon rind, some tropical fruits like pineapple add sweetness, while some mango-like fruit adds some bitterness. A nice earthy element is there too, strong resinous pine that adds some nice depth of flavor, but adds to the considerable bitterness. The flavors are tremendous, juicy citrus and pineapple, mangos and papaya flavors lead into the bitter elements, where the strong sappy pine flavors take over with some light grassy notes at the end. The malt is almost non existant although some caramel flavors from the high alcohol come through. Alcohol is only a faint afterthought to the big bold citrus which is quite remarkable, the finish is super smooth, dry to the bone and the grassy flavors really bring out that bitterness, the one downside is that it is a palate destroyer. The beer is so bitter it really makes it a challenge to get a full grasp on the flavor or all subsequent food or drink, best saved for last.

Verdict: A triumph. This beer pushes the limits of what an IPA can be without losing any of the integrity and core of a west coats IPA. The flavors are great, the bitterness is perfect, and the body is exceptional. Try it all costs, even if you have to wait over 4 hours in line like I did.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2012 04:16:50 | More by kevanb

peteh2112

Colorado

4/5  rDev -15.1%

06-17-2013 02:42:27 | More by peteh2112

bird22

California

4.75/5  rDev +0.8%

06-16-2013 19:51:40 | More by bird22

ACB

California

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-14-2013 21:39:39 | More by ACB

striker2160

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-14-2013 00:00:44 | More by striker2160

djre4orm

Virginia

5/5  rDev +6.2%

06-13-2013 18:19:13 | More by djre4orm

Alduya

California

5/5  rDev +6.2%

06-12-2013 21:33:40 | More by Alduya

JRO

Wisconsin

4.98/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer is one of the few that is worth the hype. Had it on a sample flight that included Row-two, Blind Pig, The Elder, and The Younger: all exceptional beers, but the Younger sort of blew them away compared side to side.
Incredible aroma, so smooth and well balanced....really hard to believe this is an 11% beer. Can't really say anything bad about it. If you get a chance, it's worth the wait.

Serving type: on-tap

06-11-2013 17:39:19 | More by JRO

sarge27

California

4.75/5  rDev +0.8%

06-11-2013 04:47:09 | More by sarge27

dhbiker0889

Colorado

4/5  rDev -15.1%

06-10-2013 19:44:05 | More by dhbiker0889

chase2634

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-09-2013 14:04:58 | More by chase2634

HoppyLuckyGoGo

California

4.75/5  rDev +0.8%

06-06-2013 18:02:28 | More by HoppyLuckyGoGo

michaellcoates

Ohio

5/5  rDev +6.2%

06-06-2013 03:04:07 | More by michaellcoates

Dabeel

California

4.25/5  rDev -9.8%

06-05-2013 19:45:39 | More by Dabeel

MattAnderson99

Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +0.8%

06-05-2013 14:46:23 | More by MattAnderson99

DarrenStory

Oregon

5/5  rDev +6.2%

06-05-2013 03:09:38 | More by DarrenStory

JustinFrey

Oregon

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-05-2013 02:04:07 | More by JustinFrey

mxchap

California

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-04-2013 22:05:58 | More by mxchap

Whatdyisit

California

5/5  rDev +6.2%

06-04-2013 21:56:05 | More by Whatdyisit

epmonster

California

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-04-2013 05:01:30 | More by epmonster

pugartheterrible

California

4.75/5  rDev +0.8%

06-03-2013 09:08:45 | More by pugartheterrible

itsiilegal

California

4.5/5  rDev -4.5%

06-03-2013 02:34:40 | More by itsiilegal

IHeartE30s

Oregon

4.05/5  rDev -14%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

The release of the Younger the last two years was fun; waiting in line with good friends, bars having special food and "IPA tap takeover." That was the highlights though, the Younger is good but I wouldnt wait for it alone especially at 6$ for 4oz's.

It has a lot of complexity and doesnt have that west cost IBU BOOM but it just wasnt for me. At the bar we went to this last year they had plenty of other IPA's I enjoyed more, some of which were very rare in California, like Sculpin Habenaro IPA and Dogfish 120minute on TAP! If it were something readily available like the Elder I could see myself buying it every now and then but I probably wont be waiting in the long lines for a taster any more.

I'd say, its definitely worth a try and find a pub that has an event for the tapping. I wouldnt rank it in the top 25 though.

Serving type: on-tap

06-01-2013 23:43:02 | More by IHeartE30s

Daniel101

California

5/5  rDev +6.2%

05-31-2013 21:27:07 | More by Daniel101

Paccamacca

California

5/5  rDev +6.2%

05-29-2013 23:28:14 | More by Paccamacca