Russian River Pliny the Elder Double IPA
Vital Statistics
ABV: 8%
Original Gravity: 1.07 / 17.1° plato
Average Scores
Overall: 
(logged 14 times)
(logged 14 times)Draft: (logged 3 times)
(logged 3 times)Bottle: (logged 11 times)
(logged 11 times)Who's been drinking this
Sweeter and less fragrant than I remember from the brewery. Maybe this beer loses its freshness really quickly? I wouldn't have believed it, but the bottles do scream warnings.
Very, very good on draft. A similar overall character to the Row 2, Hill 56, but with the flavors all smoothed out. Smoother, yes, but also a little more boring. Still, very fresh-tasting and tasty.
I've always liked Pliny, it's a great DIPA that isn't too heavy with a good citrusy/piney hopping. After having so many other great DIPAs and IPAs, I wouldn't say that this is so far above the rest. I'd stand a Stone Enjoy By (an IPA) beside this any day. Still, worth trying as it is an excellent DIPA.
Much better fresh - bottled on 4/9. Great aroma, with a huge hit of fragrant and resinous hop that goes directly into a dry, pithy, clean but bitter finish. That transition is sudden and dramatic, but it beats syrupy any day of the week. Still a little too bitter to be a favorite, but I'm beginning to see what the fuss is about.
Not sure if the bottle was old, because I have nothing to compare it to, but it didn't scream "fresh" at me. Kind of dank, hay-like, sweet finish - really didn't have any of the qualities I've enjoyed in IPAs.
