Russian River Pliny the Younger

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

Rating this beer from a "handbottle" is totally wrong, but damn it is so good even like this that I will do it anyway - The most beautiful deep golden slightly hazy body with a big very white medium sized bubbled head; Medium sized quite elegant nose, it aint big but just a little down is a very dense mass of very well organized hop aromas, somehow the nose feels like a mass of explosives covered by a fresh layer of velvety fine snow; The body is very fine very bitter very sweet and incredible well composed and accompanied by the most perfect texture, the body has the same feel as the nose; like something very near exploding covered or smoothened by something very fine; It does explode though!!! The finish is an explosion of huge dimensions if all the aspects of the hop flower, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of an IPA with a high alcohol %, the huge amount of bitterness and aromas of the finish are incredibly well managed, actually incredibly, incredibly well managed, very impressive. I cant wait to taste the REAL thing. Thanks!!

The bigger stronger tasting brother of pliny the elder this rocket fuel is delicious and packs a punch

Lacing fully covers what glass isn’t submerged in a beautiful, brilliant gold with haze that is further enhanced by the chilly temperature. A bright white head has excellent staying power. the aroma is very strong, of grapefruit, pine needles, apricots, oranges and rambunctious, sweet, lightly toasted grains. Lesser notes of mango and pineapple round out a stunning nose. The flavor is maltier than the aroma and showcases masterful balance. How so much flavor is packed into each sip I’ll always wonder. Bitterness is high but not the least bit astringent. Sweetness is mild, but there’s enough to balance the bitterness. Acidity is very low. Toasted grains are seemlessly integrated into the taste. The flavor of the hops far outweighs the bitterness and leaves a satisfactory burning upon swallowing. The finish is bitter, semi-dry, very long and very smooth. The mouthfeel is extraordinary, a canvas of hops and malt with velvety carbonation. Full bodied and slick. Alcohol is very well hidden throughout. Excellent.

Handbottle, courtesy of Degarth (thanks!), pours a golden copper with a nice white head, good lacing. Nice hoppy aroma of grapefruit/citrus, floral, and pine. Flavor is a noticable hops bite that lingers a bit. Palate is full, creamy and medium carbonation. Not super fresh, so the edge is off a bit; would like to try it again with less age on it. In either case, this is another awesome RR creation!

OH MY GOSH!! [sorry about the cap lock, intentional though] This nectar is unbelievable. Even after some of the worlds greatest Double India Pale Ales, i mean the BEST, this stuff is exceptional! Pours a very nice pale golden color, just what an IPA [double or triple in my book} Perfect head! great lacing! [OK sorry about the exclamation points, but come on this is the best!!] Great hoppy aroma. Perfect balance, [Huge beer of course but...] big malt to go with the bitter hops. [My local brewer makes a great triple, that actually come pretty close to this and some day some how i need to get this Pliny the Younger and Buzzsaw together!] The only fault is that of course, you can’t drink this all the time, and even though it [especially] isn’t available to me easily, this is probably for the better. Great stuff!

On tap at Stone. Beautiful clear golden amber with small fluffy head. Aroma of pine, rosemary, and honey. Thick syrupy palate. Sweet malty some what fruity initial taste transitioning to a good bitter bite and finishing with a great lingering floral hoppy taste.

A great triple IPA from the master. great color. big hop nose. big hoppy, grapefruit, pine notes with a nice hoppy finish.

Another Amazing RR Brew. These guys are Top five on the planet! Bangs out with a sharp biter finish.