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Russian River Brewing Company

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9.35

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description Russian River Brewing Company Overview

California's Russian River Brewing Company brings hop-focused beers and Belgian-inspired brewing into the same portfolio. Pliny the Elder, a double IPA, and Supplication, a sour brown ale aged in wine barrels with cherries, illustrate those distinct directions. Its beer range spans assertive IPAs and fermentation-led styles, giving the brewery an identity that extends beyond one popular release. The brewery suits experienced beer drinkers interested in comparing hop character with the acidity and complexity of barrel-aged sour beer.

Lighter ales offer another route into the range, although not every release is intended for casual session drinking. Its experimental work builds on established brewing styles rather than replacing them with novelty alone. The contrast between beers such as Pliny and Supplication makes Russian River useful to explore when flavor preference matters more than choosing a brewery with a single house style.

help Russian River Brewing Company FAQ

What is Russian River Brewing Company's most famous beer?

Russian River's most famous beer is Pliny the Elder, a highly influential Double IPA that has been consistently ranked among the best beers in the world. They are also famous for their sour ales like Supplication and Beatification.

Where is Russian River Brewing Company located?

The brewery was originally founded in Santa Rosa, California, and has since expanded its operations. Today, they operate two large brewpubs located in Santa Rosa and Windsor, in Sonoma County.

Who founded Russian River Brewing Company?

The brewery was founded in 1997 by Vinnie Cilurzo and his wife Natalie Cilurzo. Vinnie is widely credited with pioneering the use of hops in Double IPAs during his time at Blind Pig Brewing prior to starting Russian River.

When is the annual release of Pliny the Younger?

Pliny the Younger, a highly sought-after Triple IPA, is released annually as a draft-only special during the first two weeks of February. The release historically drew massive lines of beer tourists to Sonoma County before shifting to a safer online lottery system during the pandemic.

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