Every year around this time there is this crazy thing that happens. Russian River Brewing sends out a limited amount of kegs of this special brew that makes some go absolutely nuts. These people will stop at nothing to get themselves some fresh Pliny the Younger. They will call distributors to find out they when are delivering and where. They will then hound bars and pubs until there is a glimmer of hope and when this elixir is being poured. They will then bribe, cajole and flirt with bartenders and be relentless in this ultimate pursuit of drinking the Younger. I have heard and seen it all. 4 years ago when I tried my first pint and yes back then it was a pint of the triple hopped IPA. Now your lucky if it is 8oz pour usually even less. And that is a 8-10 dollar pour depending on the bar. They (Bars) are trying to get as much out as they can. I have seen bars that never say a word they just put the brew on and let the faithful find it and enjoy. Some haveRussianRivernights and pour for the masses until empty which is usually as fast as they can tap and pour – 30 minutes by my timing. There have been some bars/pubs that have just surprised the masses came out with 100 taster glasses filled with the brew and give it away. Now it is gone no more calls, no more customers seeking to sneak a peak in the keg room. No more going nuts for a dram of the tasty triple IPA. Oh sure some will say by me writing this I am fanning the flames. Well I am here to tell you “Fan away.” It is awesome to see the passion thatRussianRiverputs into their beers and the fun that comes from others seeking to find this brew. The stories of those who found this brew in a special bar they never knew. Some say the beer is not that good well I will let you be the judge. So here’s to that mid-winter fun we call Pliny the Younger time.
Triple India Pale Ale
Pliny the Younger, the man, was Pliny the Elder’s nephew and adopted son. They lived nearly 2,000 years ago! Pliny the Elder is our Double IPA, so we felt it was fitting to name our Triple IPA after his son. It is almost a true Triple IPA with triple the amount of hops as a regular I.P.A. That said, it is extremely difficult, time and space consuming, and very expensive to make. And that is why we don’t make it more often! This beer is very full-bodied with tons of hop character in the nose and throughout. It is also deceptively well-balanced and smooth.
Availability
Pub draft only, VERY limited distribution locally and to distributors on draft only, seasonal- released at our pub the first Friday of February and is available for just 2 weeks, available at select accounts during February.
Original Gravity: 1.088
Alcohol by Volume: 10.50%
Color: Copper
Bitterness: Medium
