Pliny The Elder - Russian River Brewing Company

paulxqx

California

4.8/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I have been looking forward to finally writing my review of Pliny the Elder for some time. It is one of my favorite beers... I think it would be safe to say that if I was "stranded on a desert island and could only have one beer with me for the rest of my days..." it would probably be the Elder. Now on to the review...

Although I have had it on tap, this review is for the bottled Elder.

Bottled January 23, 2009. Drinking one today, March 18th, 2009. I bought a case of Pliny the Elder for $100 at Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange, CA.

A: When poured into a pint glass the carbonation bubbles are visible in the dense orangish/amber hue of this beer. It looks like unfiltered orange flavored honey! The bubbles take their time getting to the top, it is really beautiful. One finger head which is close to white; like fine sand. As you drink lacing is noticeable.

S: Pliney and resiny, I mean PINEY and resiny, like spring time. Pine with citrus, mainly pineapple, grapefruit, hint of orange. Sweet.

T: It tastes just like it smells only better. A lot of fresh piney hops that are very well balanced with citrus, pineapple, grapefruit, and a hint of orange.

M: The beer sits well in your mouth and swallows great. The flavors are well balanced and dense which give it somewhat of a heavier feel but completely refreshing. Fine carbonation like cool beach sand.

D: Refer back to that desert island thingy : P

Overall, this is one of the finest beers I have ever tasted. And to put it simply, when I drink Pliny the Elder, I am happy and content like the end of a classic fairy tale. I hope everyone has an opportunity to try one!

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2009 00:05:41 | More by paulxqx

pisano

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -14%

05-24-2013 15:32:08 | More by pisano

twbeecher

Wisconsin

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-24-2013 11:11:23 | More by twbeecher

Grant35

California

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%

05-24-2013 08:18:54 | More by Grant35

SwG237

New York

4.25/5  rDev -8.6%

05-24-2013 03:49:35 | More by SwG237

AdamP

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%

05-24-2013 02:10:47 | More by AdamP

Jeremy_H

Illinois

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-24-2013 01:48:49 | More by Jeremy_H

Michael_20P

California

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-23-2013 23:05:31 | More by Michael_20P

not_rare_enough

Texas

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-23-2013 20:31:47 | More by not_rare_enough

ChrisMetcalfe

South Carolina

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-23-2013 18:44:39 | More by ChrisMetcalfe

calvinkirk23

California

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-23-2013 18:27:29 | More by calvinkirk23

visionaries

California

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%

05-23-2013 17:46:11 | More by visionaries

stanowsf

Connecticut

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-23-2013 17:45:31 | More by stanowsf

pk18

Wisconsin

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%

05-23-2013 17:38:32 | More by pk18

Myst

District of Columbia

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%

05-23-2013 05:02:32 | More by Myst

Benish

Wisconsin

4.99/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Man this is good! Just opened my first bottle and it's pretty fresh; bottled 5/09/13.I don't know if this is a good analogy but opening the bottle is like letting the Genie out the lamp. It's insanely floral and sweet just smelling from the tip of bottle. Kind of like opening a BRAND NEW canister of Folgers ground coffee in the morning.

In a glass, the beer presented a very light amber color. Very clear and transparent. Honestly, I am paying less attention to appearance and more attention to smell and flavor.

I taste a lot of floral notes, some kiwi, citrus, and pine. It's is amped up in flavor. It almost makes your tongue tingle! I have not tried that many Double IPA's but if there is one DIPA it compares to, it's Sosus from Toppling Goliath. I think both are equally good. But because Sosus is extremely limited (might have been made only once), I'm more than glad that Pliny is available!

The flavor is very balanced. It's both bitter and sweet. Neither side is overpowering. The beer is extremely drinkable. I'm savoring it but I can see why someone would say it doesn't take long to finish a pint. I'm very happy to be getting some more next month!

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2013 02:54:54 | More by Benish

alysmith4

District of Columbia

4/5  rDev -14%

05-22-2013 23:05:56 | More by alysmith4

KANE3

California

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%

05-22-2013 21:24:13 | More by KANE3

wogreen

Arkansas

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%

05-22-2013 18:10:05 | More by wogreen

melleblond

Connecticut

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-22-2013 17:17:30 | More by melleblond

Justinsosmart

California

5/5  rDev +7.5%

05-21-2013 22:09:32 | More by Justinsosmart

DanH83

New York

4.3/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Well, thanks to a fantastic Cali BA, I've just had my first Pliny. Poured into a tulip, tall head, lingers a bit. It's hoppy and smooth. Very balanced and drinkable, doesn't overwhelm the palate. It's not the hop bomb I was expecting, for better or worse. Not the best or hoppy-est, but better than any other IIPA...except one...

Pliny is fantastic! However, it is no Heady Topper.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 22:00:29 | More by DanH83

aleman39

California

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%

05-21-2013 21:16:26 | More by aleman39

Beerandboards

New Mexico

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%

05-21-2013 19:01:37 | More by Beerandboards

pauldevay

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%

05-21-2013 18:32:40 | More by pauldevay