description Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing Overview
Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing is a legendary West Coast IPA that helped define the style. Known for its intense hop aroma of pine, grapefruit, and citrus, it delivers a balanced bitterness and a clean finish. The beer is brewed with a blend of Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook hops. Its reputation for quality and scarcity contribute to its cult following.
Pliny the Elder clocks in at 5.7% ABV and 65 IBU, offering a classic IPA experience.
info Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing Specifications
| Ibu | Approximately 100+ |
| Style | Double IPA (West Coast) |
| Brewery | Russian River Brewing Company |
| Location | Santa Rosa, California, USA |
| Appearance | Golden to amber with white head |
| Availability | Year-round (Elder), Limited seasonal (Younger) |
| First Brewed | 1998 |
| Hop Varieties | Cascade, Centennial, Chinook |
| Alcohol By Volume | ~8% |
balance Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing Pros & Cons
- Exceptional hop aroma featuring pine, grapefruit, and citrus notes from Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook hops
- Balanced bitterness with a clean, crisp finish that defines the classic West Coast IPA style
- Pioneered the modern double IPA category, setting the standard for hop-forward beers since 1998
- Highly consistent quality across batches, maintaining its legendary status over two decades
- Complex flavor profile layered with resinous pine and floral characteristics, not just one-dimensional
- Received numerous accolades and is consistently rated among the world's best beers
- Limited availabilityprimarily distributed in California with occasional rare releases outside the state
- High demand creates inflated secondary market prices, sometimes 3-4x retail value
- Strong alcohol content (around 8% ABV) limits sessionability for some drinkers
- Freshness is critical; hop character diminishes significantly after a few months
- No direct-to-consumer shipping for most markets, restricting access for enthusiasts outside distribution areas
help Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing FAQ
What is Pliny the Elder and why is it so famous?
Pliny the Elder is a double IPA brewed by Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa, California since 1998. It helped pioneer the modern West Coast IPA style and is considered one of the first widely-available double IPAs in the United States, earning a legendary reputation among craft beer enthusiasts.
What hops are used in Pliny the Elder?
Pliny the Elder uses a blend of three classic American hop varieties: Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook. This combination creates its signature pine and grapefruit aroma with citrus notes and balanced bitterness.
Where can I buy Pliny the Elder?
Pliny the Elder is available at Russian River Brewing's taprooms in Santa Rosa and sometimes at select bottle shops in California. It's occasionally distributed to other states in limited quantities. Check the brewery's website for current availability.
What is the alcohol content of Pliny the Elder?
Pliny the Elder has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 8%, making it a double IPA. This higher alcohol content contributes to its full body and allows the hop character to remain balanced.
How does Pliny the Younger differ from Pliny the Elder?
Pliny the Younger is a triple IPA brewed with the same hops but in larger quantities, resulting in a higher ABV around 10.2% and more intense hop presence. Pliny the Elder is more balanced and drinkable while still being hop-forward.
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What are the key specifications of Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing?
- IBU: Approximately 100+
- Style: Double IPA (West Coast)
- Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
- Location: Santa Rosa, California, USA
- Appearance: Golden to amber with white head
- Availability: Year-round (Elder), Limited seasonal (Younger)
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