Brewed By:
Russian River
Self-Defined Style:
Double IPA Pliny the Elder was a Roman naturalist, scholar, historian, traveler, officer, and writer. Although not considered his most important work, Pliny and his contemporaries created the botanical name for hops, "Lupus salictarius", meaning wolf among scrubs." Hops at that time grew wild among willows, much like a wolf in the forest. Later the current botanical name, Humulus lupulus, was adopted. Pliny died in 79 AD while observing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. He was immortalized by his nephew, Pliny the Younger, who continued his uncle's legacy by documenting much of what he observed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Awards:
Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Cup (Double IPA Category)
Gold Medal, 2005 GABF (Double IPA Category)
Bronze Medal, 2004 GABF (Double IPA Category)
Comments
Actually a tasting note for Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Younger. A stronger version of the same brew.
Appearance: It is like a dream. A dream that feels real, but you can't be sure.
Aroma: We were at the Crowbar in Corona del Mar, CA. One of our favourite spots. They always had Pliny the Elder on tap, which is always great. My wife ordered that, and the server told her that they didn't have Pliny the Elder, for some reason, they had received Pliny the Younger this time.
Flavor: We asked what the difference is. I don't remember exactly, but the response was something like "Its hoppier, with a higher alcohol content". Fuck yeah.
Mouthfeel: We both ordered it. It had that deep golden color, the citrusy aroma, and that flavour that haunts my dreams. And it was never to be seen again.
Overall Impression: To this day, I'm not sure if this actually happened. Memory is fallible. Did I just wish it into my consciousness?
Comments: If you can find it, drink it.
Tasting
Appearance:
The color a light yellowish orange, hazy, with a great amount of foamy and bubbly white head and some thock lacing left on the glass.
Aroma:
The smell is very piny. The floral hops are very evident here. It tickles your nose and gives you a preview of things to come.
Flavor:
Finally the taste, the taste that has been building for months and it is good. The amount of hops is pushing through all other flavors. Being an IPA it gives you just the right amount of hops, floral and some citrus hops as well.
Mouthfeel:
It has a great feel to this beer that seems pretty weightless but it does have a nice body and goes down well.
Overall Impression:
The best beer I have had so far. I am in love with the hop combination and it is now the benchmark for any double IPA.
Comments:
It is that good!
Appearance: hazy orange
Aroma: pine and floral notes touch of grapefruit
Flavor: Off the hook! Heavy hops, slightly citrus, grapefruit finish
Mouthfeel: Buttery soft, smooth for 8%
Overall Impression: This is the best double IPA I've ever tasted. Amazing!
Comments: I have drank beer all over the world and put this in my top 3 best beers I've ever had. I live in Sonoma County and have an unlimited source of this tasty brew. Do what you can to try this beer. It is amazing!