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What’s the big deal? Russian River brewmaster Vinnie Cilurzo first brewed “Younger” in 2005. At the time, it was the only beer of its kind: the first triple IPA. Traditionally released the first Friday in February, it is only available for two weeks at the brewery's Santa Rosa and Windsor brewpubs, plus a limited number of other locations. (The release was delayed this year due to the omicron surge.) At the brewpubs, Pliny is only available on draft and is only served in 10-ounce glasses. Patrons can also buy and take home two bottles of the coveted beer on a first come, first served basis. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
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OK, when can I get my hands on some Pliny? Russian River Brewing Co.'s brewpubs in Santa Rosa and Windsor will be pouring Pliny from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through April 7. The beer will be available each day until the brewpub runs out of that day’s allocation. Pliny pilgrims can expect long waits to get into the brewpubs. Once inside, guests are allotted two and a half hours at the pub and three "Youngers" (10-ounce pours). They can also purchase two bottles of Pliny to take home. Russian River Brewing Co. also sends Younger kegs to their draft accounts throughout Sonoma County and the Bay Area. This year, those kegs were sent in February and have already been consumed. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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If Pliny is so popular, why not just make more of it? According to Russian River Brewing, Pliny the Younger is a very time consuming and expensive beer to brew. It requires an exceptionally large amount of raw materials – malt and hops in particular – and takes up significant tank space at the brewery. In other words, it's just not worth the money and effort to make more Pliny – especially when the limited supply seems to be working out, just fine. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Is there any way to escape the line? In 2018, for the first time in Younger history, a lucky few got to cut the line. Following the wildfires in October 2017, Russian River Brewing launched Sonoma Pride, which raised funds for fire relief efforts in part through $25 donations for a chance to win Pliny line-cutting privileges. This year, however, there are no cuts. For the best shot at a short wait, the time to come is midweek during the evening. But, believe it or not, a lot of people actually want to experience the line – come rain or shine – because "that's where the event is." But standing in lines has rules...
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How do I master the line (and not get kicked out)? No matter how pumped you are about Pliny, waiting in line for hours can be boring, and bored people do silly things. Therefore, there are rules: no smoking, no drinking, no bottle sharing (in line or inside the brewpub), no camping in front of businesses (leave your pop-up tents and easy-ups at home) and come with your entire party – don't cut in front of people who have been waiting for hours because "your friends saved your spot;" that's not cool. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
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What happens once I get inside? For customers who wish to brave the notoriously long lines and typically crummy winter weather, Russian River Brewing Company has imposed a limit of three Youngers and two and a half hours inside the brewpubs, per person. They keep track of this with a four-tabbed wristbands — not, disappointingly, with chalk marks like meter maids. (Tabs are removed as Youngers are poured; the fourth tap is for purchasing Pliny bottles.) The limits, set in place in 2015, meant that the brewpub only ran out of the daily Pliny allocation once in that year — a significant improvement over years past. Inside, Plinys can be paired with pub fare. Naturally, “Pliny” bites are the most popular pick, but “Drew” bites are also worth a try. The Windsor brewpub has more food options. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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What does Pliny taste like? Pliny the Younger is a rendition of other Russian River Brewing Company favorite Pliny the Elder, except with more hops, malt and higher alcohol (the beer finishes around 10.25 percent AVB). The hops used in the recipe are Simcoe, Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Amarillo, CTZ, Comet and Azacca. According to those in the know (and Russian River Brewing Company's website), it is loaded with hop flavors and is surprisingly smooth and dry for the amount of alcohol and malt. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Who is this Pliny character anyway? And how do I pronounce Pliny? Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, a.k.a Pliny the Younger, was a lawyer, author and magistrate of ancient Rome. Pliny’s uncle, Pliny the Elder (also a Russian River beer), helped raise and educate him, and later adopted him. Pliny Jr. and Pliny Sr. witnessed the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which took Pliny the Elder’s life. While most people pronounce the popular beer “ply-knee,” the “correct” Latin pronunciation is actually “plih-nee” – rhyming with “mini.” Pliny people are apparently not as particular about proper pronunciation as they are about their pints. (Portrait of Pliny the Younger, on the marble retained after the Giovio palace in the city of Como, vintage engraved illustration. Magasin Pittoresque 1847)
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What's the Windsor brewery like? The new brewpub can accommodate up to 200 Pliny enthusiasts (the Santa Rosa pub's capacity is 135). The food menu offers more options than the Santa Rosa location, including burgers, double fried Kennebec fries, fish and chips, salmon, schnitzel and salads. If you need some fresh air, you can step out on a year-round patio and 1-acre pet-friendly beer garden. In addition to Pliny the Younger, visitors can sample other popular Russian River Brewing beers. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Amy and Nathan Booth enjoy drinks while taking in the sunset on the patio at Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
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What if I am pining for Pliny, but am not willing to wait in line for hours? No worries. Pliny the Younger’s close relation, Pliny the Elder, is available year-round — bottled or on tap. If you want to sample more Sonoma County brews, we've got a craft beer weekend itinerary just for you. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
