Pliny The Elder - Russian River Brewing Company

Nektar-der-Gotter

New Jersey

3.16/5  rDev -32%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.25

This was my second DIPA (had Lagunitas Maximus in bottle the prior day). Was out in the Bay Area so drove up to Santa Rosa to try it right at the source - the Russian River Brewpub. Had a pint at the bar before dinner. It was definitely unique but not something I would seek out for future drinking. For me it finished too bitter and like the other DIPA I had (Lagunitas Maximus) had a hint of something rank on hitting the tongue. Comparing the two it was definitely preferable to the Lagunitas with more interesting flavor components and a smoother mouthfeel. I ended up getting a sampler of all 15 beers they had on tap after this pint, and ended up preferring several of their other beers (Perdition, OVL Stout, almost everything except the sour ales). Obviously YMMV and if you like DIPAs I can only assume you'll love this. Thinking about my preferences, I'd take a good Bock/Eisbock/Barleywine in the cooler months and a tasty Hefeweizen/Lager in the warmer months over Pliny any day. I'd still be up for trying a pint of Younger if I am around here in February just to make sure this tasting wasn't a fluke.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2013 04:00:56 | More by Nektar-der-Gotter

RobertColianni

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

10oz. pour into a Duvel Tulip at Hawthorne's Cafe in Philadelphia.

A: Very similar to Russian River's Blind Pig; translucent amber with no tonal colorization. Thin, spotty head; white in color (similar to a world-class barleywine). Slight lace is imminent. Head disapates to spottiness quickly.

S: Fresh, wet hop sweetness. General citrus.

T: Very well balanced with honey undertones. Not overbearing at all. Great naval orange undertones with no bite or grapefruit dryness. Malt background balances slight bitterness to perfection without substantially altering the thin mouthfeel. Very enjoyable.

M: Thin and less carbonation than I'd expected, but more to my liking and perfect to style.

OVERALL: Elder is as advertised; a perfect build with nothing overdone. Very classic style example.

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2013 20:39:07 | More by RobertColianni

akang

California

4.56/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

It's fortunately pretty accessible in California, so I've had it on tap and in bottles numerous times.

A - Light, relatively clear golden color.

S - Inviting mix of fresh hops and citrus.

T - The strong hop profile comes through immediately along with relatively muted hints of the citrus. The finish is dry and slightly bitter, but less so than some other DIPAs (such as Heady Topper). The overall balance in flavors is incredible.

M - Well-carbonated and easy to keep drinking.

O - After having this multiple times, I completely understand why this beer has been the gold standard for DIPAs. There are bold hops flavors but the emphasis on balance is awesome.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2013 02:17:01 | More by akang

seanwilson530

California

5/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I'm a hop head and this beer is by far the best IPA I have ever had! Enjoyed this pint while down in Santa Rosa one day on a road trip. An explosion of citrus, floral, earthy and grassy hops. Perfectly balanced malt backbone. It doesn't get any better than this. I usually don't write reviews, but this beer gets one. Way to go Russian River!

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2013 22:52:22 | More by seanwilson530

Rinkor16

California

4.61/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I drink this regularly on tap at the pup. It's probably a little biased.

A: Very clear with a nice copper hue. When I've had it out of a growler or bottle, it always has some nice head that dissipates after a while.

S: Tons of hops, citrus and pine.

T: Upfront hops with lots of citrus and pine in the background. Very clean finish that doesn't leave you with any odd tastes. Follows the nose down to the T.

M: Smooth and medium bodied. Always the right amount of carbonation.

O: This is my go to when I'm looking for a beer on tap. I visit the pub at least once a month. Always go for my 1-2 punch. PtE followed by a Row 2 with a Lola pizza. Always fills the craving.

Serving type: on-tap

04-17-2013 03:59:01 | More by Rinkor16

clayrock81

Virginia

4.29/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Poured a clearish orange gold body with monster two-finger head that died slow and left lace everywhere the whole beer. Huge hop aroma of sticky, wet, earthy hops with that familiar grapefruit and citric/clovey spice hop zip, along with some sweet or plush tropical fruit smell that is a tad noticeable and there is a touch of some caramel and/or bready malt. Beer is medium-bodied, easy to drink, incredibly smooth for the amout of hops in there and it packs a lot. Almost chewey and a dangerous session ale since you can't even pick up any alcohol, this beer is the exception of most DIPAs in that instead of crushing/drying out your tastebuds it wets them and leaves you wanting more. Not only are there the strong grape/citric hops flavors with spice but there is a sweetness to this beer that gives it nice balance and a strong, bready crackerlike malt backbone that holds everything up and what a delicious finish. For everything I heard about this beer it was definitely worth the wait.

Serving type: on-tap

04-05-2013 16:06:55 | More by clayrock81

braugon

Connecticut

4.08/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

I had two on tap in Philly. Very excited when the waitress mentioned it, because like many, I thought I might never get to taste it. This beer has a golden-red, rather clear hue. A small white head. An amazing citrus smell that you know is gonna taste good, just from one sniff. Taste is very crisp, refreshing, and citrusy. Grapefruit mostly, with medium body. Could drink a lot of these in a single sitting. I still give an edge to Gandhi Bot as slightly better tasting, because as a local, I have my biases =), but I liked Pliny so much, I thought I would add to the chorus of complimentary reviews. Worth the hype in my opinion, of course I was lucky and didn't have to wait in a line or trade to get a taste, very fortunate on my part. Right bar, right time.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2013 15:25:44 | More by braugon

chrisgalvin

California

4.75/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

I live a block from a bar that has this on tap and I have it at least once a week. Hands down, a fantastic beer. Just a lighter version of the Younger and less malt. Great balance of malt character and fresh hops. I'm really luck to live a block from the fountain of PtE.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2013 04:14:36 | More by chrisgalvin

Belgianbeerbunny

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Summary - After waiting 45 minutes at the Russian River Brew Pub in Santa Rosa for a table and a beer, I started with the flagship brew. I am not an IPA fan, but found this one so well-balanced, that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A - No head to speak of. Golden amber hue.

S - Piney and hoppy.

T - Bitter in the front, but smooth in the back. Doesn't taste as piney as it smells.

M - Smooth and very drinkable, despite its status as a Double IPA.

O - Subtle for an IPA. I would wait another 45 minutes to drink one, but not 4 hours for a Pliny the Younger!

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2013 23:57:45 | More by Belgianbeerbunny

Abstractattack

Pennsylvania

3.99/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

A: hazy golden, with mild lacing and very thin head.

S: Earthy with a bit of citrus hop, mild to low malt

T: I am reviewing 2 days after I consumed Elder. I do not remember the taste profile

M: Almost creamy. The beer comes on mild and flavors sits wonderfully on the pallet and gradually fades.

O: I feel the strongest part of this beer is its mouth feel. Elder is very well crafted. You cannot argue Russian River really put effort into designing and balancing Elder. There was nothing that really stood out and I was not overly impressed with the flavor which is why I forgot it so fast. There are other Doubles/imperials that are on the market that are READILY AVAILABLE that I would rather consume. I was not a fan of having to go out of my way to find and try the beer after 3 years searching. Find it (good luck) and try it. But I would not go out of the way to drink again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2013 17:43:32 | More by Abstractattack

BrantleyJ

California

4.71/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

One of the finest beers put out by Russian River. Had it on tap at the brewery. Very hoppy aroma hits you first, drinks incredibly smooth for such a big beer. It is hard to find but well worth the hunt. If you happen to locate a bottle, or better yet find it on tap, do not pass up the opportunity to try it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2013 01:34:18 | More by BrantleyJ

mwilbur

Minnesota

4.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured on tap into tulip.
A: Pours a clear golden yellow with a tinge of crimson. Faint white quickly dissipates.
S: WOW. By far the best smelling beer I've come across...by far. Peach, apricot, tart raspberry, grapefruit, and a hint of soft pine.
T: Follows aroma well (see above). Excellent complexity and balance. With warming, a note of passionfruit emerges.
M: Light and refreshing. Mild-moderate bitter hop bite well balanced by smooth malt. Pleasantly dry finish.
D: An incredible brew! Excellent complexity in a very sessionable and refreshing beer. Go drink this now!

Serving type: on-tap

03-18-2013 00:27:45 | More by mwilbur

DenverLogan

Colorado

4.26/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've had this many times in the bottle and on tap over the years...it's considered a standard for the double IPA category.
On tap at Cheeky Monk...ours a yellow gold with small head.
Significant carbonation and mouthfeel.
Aromas and taste of pine resin, white grapefruit, flowery hops, modest alcohol, black pepper, straw, grapefruit rind. All and all a very flavorful and satisfying brew

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2013 16:51:32 | More by DenverLogan

HopAttack3

Virginia

5/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Made it Russian River on 1-30-13, 2 days before Younger was released, the most well balanced beer I've had, it was so dank on tap, I'm in love with it and have some being shipped to me now...thank god for friends that love beer as much as I do...trying to see if I can get to Philly to try younger...

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2013 12:54:11 | More by HopAttack3

Jeffwildcat

Arizona

5/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this at the Urban Tavern in the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco a few weeks ago. Very easy to drink. Hints of pine and citrus with a perfect balance. This I felt was a medium body work of art. Appearance is a fire orange. A must have if you can find it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2013 04:58:28 | More by Jeffwildcat

derekrick420

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I was lucky enough a couple weeks ago to try this for the first time along with several other world class beers at the same sitting (2010 kbs for instance), and it delivered the goods.

The aroma was sublime.

The taste was flat out delicious

This experience was so good that it makes me sad that I will be moving from Philly.

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2013 00:32:59 | More by derekrick420

jhutch31

California

4.93/5  rDev +6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

This beer is awesome! Stopped off on my way back from the bay to try out a pint. From the aroma, to the appearance and the flavor, this IPA has it all! I must admit, I was prepared to be a little dissappointed based upon all the hype that surrounds this beer, but it rose to the challenge. Again, the only downside I see to this beer is the fact that you can't get it easier if you aren't in the Sonoma/Surrounding bay area. Definately a favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2013 17:26:22 | More by jhutch31

oddb0d

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Just a great solid West Coast IPA. They just do it very well. It is pretty traditional in it's taste compared with some of the newer beers. That being said, it's a great beer. If PTY is on tap I'm drinking that. It's a no brainer.

Nice amount of carbonation, great hoppiness without a bitter after taste. If you can get it, definitely try it. That being said don't beat yourself up to get this beer. A really good local IPA craft brew in many cities (at least on the west coast) can do something that is really just as good in my opinion. There is a lot of buzz which I think is making people over sell this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2013 03:21:03 | More by oddb0d

dspolanco

Pennsylvania

4.93/5  rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On Tap at Monks Cafe Philadelphia

Appearance-Beautiful copper/ amber color

Smell-When the waiter put Pliny down on the table, I could smell the pineapple, and grapefruit without even putting it to my nose. Big tropical notes, smell is out of this world.

Mouthfeel-Everything you want it to be.

Taste-Big tropical notes just like the smell. It is perfectly balanced, the hops shine in the beginning then the malt comes and engages everything greatly. Towards the end its all tropical fruits again, all pineapple and grapefruit shining on the palate.

Overall-I thought, "No way does this live up to the hype". But boy was I wrong. It's one of the best beers I have ever had the pleasure of trying. I can finally cross Pliny The Elder off my bucket list!!

Cheers!!!

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2013 03:20:47 | More by dspolanco

CurtFromHershey

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 5

Coppery straw, brilliant clarity. Modest head but relentless lacing.

Smell is pleasant.... citrus, pine, floral.... the usual suspects for a quality ipa or dipa. Sturdy bready, raisiny malt undertones.

Flavor is somewhat underwhelming for such a hyped beer. The citrus from the nose shines. Well balanced and phenomenally drinkable.

Mouthfeel is pretty standard. No faults detected.

This is a case where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. No one aspect is all that striking,other than the fact that this is a completely flawless beer from start to finish. Impressive brew.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2013 03:52:35 | More by CurtFromHershey

Fatehunter

Oregon

3.95/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap into a tulip glass. One finger of head on a medium straw colored body.
It's aroma is pine and lemon in a wonderful blend.
The taste has a big malt backbone with moderate bitterness, lemon.
Smooth texture with moderate carbonation and medium body.
Obviously it's a good drink.

Serving type: on-tap

01-22-2013 03:08:12 | More by Fatehunter

Chalkhead

3.75/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

The easier to find, gentler Pliny. Great taste, STRONG like bull, awesome finish. The best way to enjoy it is AT Russian river on a hot day, followed by a dip in the waters... Plus, the guys at the brewery are awesome. If they have any of the younger, don't let it pass you by

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2013 16:23:31 | More by Chalkhead

Oakenator

Pennsylvania

4.74/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Pours golden yellow with a decent head. Complex lacing left on the glass but head disappeared to a rim. Smells of piney hops. Taste is big piney hops, but somehow also balanced and not over the top. Citrus undertone may help to smooth the hops. Caramel sweetness up front turns to an excellent bitter bite on the back.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2013 23:45:00 | More by Oakenator

TrevorWGrover

Germany

4.91/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

I've had this beer for the first time on tap at the Tornado gastropub in North Park, San Diego.

It may be the perfect IPA. Citrus-fruity-sweetness helps balance Russian River's most popular hoppy IPA. I don't have it in front of me right now so I won't try to be too specific but I will say this beer lived up to the ridiculously high expectations created by hop-heads everywhere.

I do remember there was a poor head when the pretty young girl at the bar handed me my pint glass... so that is really the only flaw.

Serving type: on-tap

01-12-2013 18:56:14 | More by TrevorWGrover

SnoozeDoctor

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this on-tap at Teresa's Next Door in Wayne, PA approximately 2 weeks ago (which is the only way to get it in Pennsylvania). Have also had it two other times from bottle.

Nothing else to add except that this is the perfect beer, and the standard by which all IPAs should be judged.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2012 19:41:35 | More by SnoozeDoctor