Russian River Pliny The Elder Review #52

Russian River Pliny The Elder
Imperial/Double IPA
ABV: 8%
California Style Rotational Beer
On Draft In A Tulip Glass At The Sidecar Cafe

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. Pliny the Elder, the beer, is brewed with 40% more malt and over twice the amount of hops as compared to our already hoppy IPA.

Russian River Brewing Co.
Brewery/Brewpub
Guerneville, California
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Vinnie Cilurzo- Brewmaster
1997


Appearance:
Rich Golden Color With A Orange Tinge
2 1/2 Fingered Fluffy White Head That Holds Around The Edges
Decent Retention
Clean Transparent Clarity
Lighter And More Clarified The Expected
Solid Opaque Lacing On The Glass
Ideal Carbonation

Aroma:
Aroma Is Explosive
Seville Oranges
Grapefruit
Fresh Apricot
Eucalyptus
Sappy Pine
Strawberries
West Coast Hops (Cascade)/Northwestern Hops (Centennial)
Gooseberries
Passion Fruit


Mouth Feel:
Bitter/Sweet Balance
Amazing Balance
Extremely High Drinkability
Very Refreshing
Medium Bodied
Makes Mouth Happy
"Tongue Melter"
Soft Mildy Creamy Mouth Feel
Crisp And Very Effervescent Palate


The taste is so well integrated and smooth. the flavors really just play together and nothing seems out of touch at all. the hops are strong, lots of grapefruit and notes of pine. hints of malt underneath with a touch of sweet caramel but this is a minor presence to present the perfect balance for a hop lover. Finish is very hoppy and very long lasting. Here the sheer amount of hops is really noticeable, for quite a while it even overshadows everything you eat or drink after it. Rather, if you plan to drink different beers, take this as one of the last ones, as the lingering hop bitterness might impede properly tasting the next ones.  


4 Out Of 6
Want A Sixer