description Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder Overview
Pliny the Elder is a legendary double IPA from Russian River Brewing, widely considered a pioneer of the West Coast IPA style. It delivers a powerful hop aroma of pine and citrus, balanced by a firm bitterness and a clean, crisp finish. The beers complexity and balance have made it a benchmark for the style. While still highly regarded, newer IPAs have emerged, slightly lowering its score, but it remains a classic.
info Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder Specifications
| Color | Golden Amber |
| Brewery | Russian River Brewing Company |
| Location | Santa Rosa, California |
| Malt Base | Two-Row Pale Malt |
| Packaging | 4-pack 16oz bottles, Draft |
| Beer Style | Double IPA (West Coast) |
| Shelf Life | 6 months for optimal freshness |
| Final Gravity | 1.012 |
| Hop Varieties | Columbus, Tomahawk, Centennial, Simcoe |
| Serving Vessel | Tulip Glass |
| Original Gravity | 1.071 |
| Alcohol By Volume | 8.0% |
| Serving Temperature | 50-55°F |
| International Bitterness Units | 100+ IBU |
balance Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder Pros & Cons
- Legendary hop aroma combining pine and citrus creates an aromatic complexity rarely matched by other double IPAs
- Perfectly balanced bitterness (100+ IBU) with malt backbone prevents one-dimensional hop bomb experience
- Pioneered the West Coast IPA style and remains the benchmark that countless breweries attempt to emulate
- Exceptional drinkability for an 8% ABV beer, with clean crisp finish that encourages another sip
- Remarkable batch-to-batch consistency maintaining the same high quality standards year after year
- Highly influential recipe that shaped American craft beer brewing techniques and hop utilization
- Extremely limited availability with distribution restricted primarily to California
- Annual limited release creates artificial scarcity and secondary market prices
- Sold only in 4-packs at breweries or select retailers, no singles available
- Higher retail price point ($15-20 per 4-pack) compared to similar style offerings
- Difficult to find fresh examples outside the brewery, affecting hop character over time
help Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder FAQ
What makes Pliny the Elder so highly regarded in the craft beer community?
Pliny the Elder is considered the gold standard of double IPAs because it pioneered the West Coast IPA style with its aggressive hop character perfectly balanced by malt sweetness. Its complex aroma, drinkability despite high ABV, and consistent quality have made it a benchmark for over two decades.
Where can I purchase Pliny the Elder and what should I expect to pay?
Pliny the Elder is sold at Russian River Brewing locations in Santa Rosa and Windsor, California, plus select specialty retailers. A 4-pack typically costs $15-20, though scarcity may drive prices higher on secondary markets.
What's the difference between Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger?
Pliny the Elder is a double IPA (8% ABV) while Pliny the Younger is a triple IPA (10.2% ABV). The Younger features more tropical fruit hops, higher alcohol warmth, and is released only on draft in February.
How should Pliny the Elder be stored and served for optimal enjoyment?
Store bottles upright in a cool dark place and consume within 6 months for peak hop freshness. Serve in a tulip glass at 50-55°F to fully appreciate the aromatic hop profile.
Which hops are used in brewing Pliny the Elder?
Russian River uses a proprietary blend including Columbus, Tomahawk, Centennial, and Simcoe hops, contributing to the signature pine and citrus aroma with supporting floral and earthy notes.
What is Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder?
How good is Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder?
How much does Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder cost?
What are the best alternatives to Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder?
What is Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder best for?
Craft beer enthusiasts seeking the definitive example of West Coast double IPA craftsmanship and collectors pursuing legendary limited-release beers.
How does Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder compare to Hill Farmstead Edward?
Is Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Russian River Brewing Pliny the Elder?
- Color: Golden Amber
- Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
- Location: Santa Rosa, California
- Malt Base: Two-Row Pale Malt
- Packaging: 4-pack 16oz bottles, Draft
- Beer Style: Double IPA (West Coast)
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