Beer Review: Pliny the Elder

Living in beautiful sunny San Diego, the craft-beer capital of the world, I'm surrounded by new breweries springing up and off-the-beaten path new brews being made. Searching for the my next favorite beer has become one of my fondest pastimes and has lead me down the rabbit-hole into a wonderful, vast community of certified beer-drinkers like myself.

However, San Diego County has unfortunately become over-saturated with a whopping 155 independent craft-brewers reported in 2019. With the craft-brew scene generating up to $850 million in earnings (just in San Diego County!) it's clear why so many beer pioneers are trying to get their share of hoppy revenue.

One brewery in particular that has been known for creating one of the most famous double IPA's you can find, Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder. While the brewery operations began in '97, this beer speaks volumes of experience and dedication to the craft.

Initially, I was nervous to try the beer with the extreme hype of being known by many as "the best IIPA in the world" and its scarcity in the market. However, I cracked the top open and let the delicious, golden nectar bubble into my pint glass. Great head-retention and beautiful clarity; my mouth was watering something fierce.

Aromatics of pine, grapefruity citrus, and a subtle floral note dance delicately on the rim of the glass. And a first sip reveals powerful myriad of citrus and pine hoppiness with a perfect balance of malty sweetness and undertones of alcohol. The frothy head leaves a beer mustache wafting those powerful aromatics straight up your nose, leaving you thirsty for another sip and several sips after that.

This beer has been revered as one of the most famous and most delicious double IPA's available on the market. However, my only complaint is that the beer is not distributed enough as each sip left me wanting more. It's rarity and outstanding performance has lead to an increasing demand from beer-drinkers all over the world.

I give this beer a 9/10! Absolute excellence in a glass!