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For the past two weeks, Santa Rosa streets have been lined with Pliny pilgrims eagerly awaiting a sip on Russian River's most coveted brew. While this February frenzy has become a cherished annual event for many, standing in line for five plus hours is not for everyone. If you lack the patience necessary to taste Pliny the Younger or didn't get a chance to try the famous beer this year, we have picked out five Sonoma County brews you may not have heard (as much) about but that are just as good and definitely worth seeking out. Click through the gallery for all the details.
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Big Chicken Double IPA, HenHouse Brewing: Since its debut, HenHouse Brewing's limited-release "Big Chicken" DIPA has become one of the most sought after beers made in Sonoma County; Wednesday, February 14, marked its sixth annual release. Only available for two days per year, and only at a few locations, the annual release of Big Chicken sends Bay Area beer lovers on a frantic search for the rare bird, which disappears quickly. This hop-forward beer is brewed, kegged and delivered to taprooms and beer stores on the same day in order to preserve its freshness (this is also the reason why the production and distribution is so limited). The ABV (alcohol by volume) changes each year, this year it’s 10.3 percent. If you're lucky, you might still find Big Chicken on draft at Local Barrel in Santa Rosa, Oliver's Market and HenHouse's Santa Rosa taproom. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Row 2 Pale Ale, Russian River Brewing: While the Plinys (Younger and Elder) are responsible for turning Russian River Brewing into a beer behemoth, there's definitely more to Russian River than Pliny. The "Row 2" pale ale, named for the area in Washington in which its hops are grown, is a hidden gem and locals' favorite. Brewed with 100 percent Simcoe hops, it is loaded with hop character but is light bodied and has a clean top finish. An added bonus is its relatively low alcohol percentage (ABV 6%), so there's no need to worry about having a pint, or three. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
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Clear & Loathing Double IPA, Cooperage Brewing: Cooperage owner and brewer Tyler Smith is always coming up with new recipes. Locals flock to the Santa Rosa taproom daily to check out what's new on tap and visitors are lucky if they stumble upon the taproom since, other than some local accounts, this is the only place to taste Cooperage beers. Their "Clear & Loathing " DIPA is hopped up on Mosaic, Simcoe, Galaxy and Sitra and comes in at 8.4 percent ABV. It's available on draft now at the Santa Rosa taproom. (Courtesy photo)
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Dark Sarcasm, Barrel Brothers Brewing: Recently expanded Barrel Brothers, run by brothers-in-law Daniel Weber and Wesley Deal, produces excellent seasonal beers and a few flagship brews available year round. Their Dark Sarcasm porter has garnered a following for its smooth finish and surprisingly light body. It is loaded with flavors of vanilla, mocha and chocolate and the ABV is 7 percent. You can find this beer locally on draft and in bottle, or at the brewery in Windsor. (Brothers-in-law Wesley Deal (left) and Daniel Weber at Barrel Brothers Brewing in Windsor)
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Death & Taxes, Moonlight Brewing: Moonlight head brewer Brian Hunt has been making craft beers since the early '90s. When he opened his brewery in 1992, it was the first microbrewery in Santa Rosa and has since become a destination for beer enthusiasts. Hunt's "Death & Taxes" San Francisco-style lager is the brewery's flagship beer. This deceptively light, black beer was for years only available at restaurants and taprooms in California. Today, fans can visit the Santa Rosa brewery to have a pint and fill a growler. (Courtesy photo)
