With the beginning of February comes the most anticipated beer releases on the planet, Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewing Company.
This year the happy event begins on Friday, February 3 and continues until Thursday, February 16th. Last year Russian River Brewing hosted guests from all 50 states and 38 countries during the 2 week release. Now that’s one popular beer!
The line begins to form around mid-night in anticipation of the 11:00AM opening. Guests are given a wrist ban that allows them to purchase 3 - 10 ounce pours during their limited 3 hour visit. It’s best to arrive early as there is a daily allocation of beer, so once its gone, its gone and you have to come back the next day. All beer must be consumed on-site, no growlers, no bottles just a great beer straight for thetap.
Needless to say, the place is packed as people enjoy the beer while dining on their delicious pub menu that includes salads, sandwiches, calzones, chicken wings and pizza.
What’s the history of Pliny the Younger?
It all began in 2005 when the owner/brewmaster, Vinnie Cilurzo brewed his first batch of a first of it’s kind beer, a triple Pale Ale.
What is Pliny the Younger, and why is it so special?
It is a variation of their flagship brew, Pliny the Elder, a double pale ale, but with more hops, more malt, and higher alcohol, about 10.25% AVB. The Younger is smooth and easy drinking despite the high alcohol level. Brewing Pliny the Younger is time consuming and expensive with 8 different hops and malts making up most of the raw materials.
Where did Pliny the Younger get it’s name?
Pliny the Elder was, among many things, a Roman Naturalist, who lived from 23AD to 79AD, and is credited with first naming hops or at least writing about them. It would be centuries before his were first added to beer. Following the eruption of Vesuvious in 79 AD, he was killed in the rescue mission of a friend. His nephew, Pliny the Younger was a Roman lawyer, author and magistrate. He wrote volumes about his uncle, which have tremendous historical value.