Pliny the Younger, Russian River Brewing Company’s super-hoppy triple India pale ale, will be released Friday, March 22. It will be available until April 4 and is expected to bring thousands of self-proclaimed beer geeks to Russian River Brewing Company’s Santa Rosa and Windsor brewpubs.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Pliny release, so expect an extra celebratory event and a brand-new logo, which depicts Mount Vesuvius exploding beer, hops and bottles of Younger above the Windsor brewery (you’ll understand why when you read about Pliny, the person, below).
To get you primed for Pliny time, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the coveted brew. Click through the above gallery for photos from previous Pliny releases, plus some quick facts.
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. It is only available for a limited time at the brewery’s Santa Rosa and Windsor brewpubs. Until 2022, it was released in February. Since then, it has been released in March. (Since 2022, it has also been released to a selection of bars and restaurants before its official in-person release.) At the brewpubs, Pliny is only available on draft and is only served in 10-ounce glasses. Patrons can also buy and take home bottles of the coveted beer — this year, they can purchase three bottles, instead of two, for $13.50 per bottle. (A special, 20th anniversary gift box is complimentary with every three bottle purchase.)
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 4. 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; lines start to form around 5 a.m. Once inside, guests are allotted two and a half hours at the pub, three “Youngers” (10-ounce pours) and three bottles of Pliny to take home.
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.
Is there any way to skip 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 (Windsor is your best bet). 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…
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.
What happens once I get inside?
Russian River Brewing Company keeps track of allotted time and pours 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. Draft pours are not transferable, but bottle allocations can be transferred to other people in your party. 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.
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.
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.”
What’s the Windsor brewery like?
The Windsor 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.
I’m from out of town, where is a good place to stay? And how do I get around after I’ve had my share of Plinys?
Russian River Brewing Company has partnered with a number of local hotels that are extending “Special Younger Rates” during the two-week release: Courtyard Marriott, Hotel E, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hyatt Regency in Santa Rosa, Hampton Inn and Suites in Windsor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Oxford Suites in Rohnert Park.
Want to explore Sonoma County post Pliny? Uber and Lyft are available in Santa Rosa and Windsor. The SMART train is another good option.
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. You can also check out local restaurants and bars that may have some Younger left on tap.
Where to get Pliny the Younger
Russian River Brewing Co. Santa Rosa: 725 Fourth St.; 707-545-2337. Windsor: 700 Mitchell Lane; 707-545-2337.
Hours: Both brewpubs will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through April 4. Pliny will be available each day until the brewpub runs out of that day’s allocation. Customers can expect long wait times, with lines starting to form around 5 a.m. or earlier.
Information: russianriverbrewing.com/pliny-the-younger-release
Looking for things to do in Santa Rosa during your Pliny visit? Check out this guide to the city.
Had your three Plinys in Windsor and wondering what to do next? We’ve got you covered with restaurants, tasting rooms and fun activities.
Sarah Doyle, Sofia Englund, Maci Martell, Jess Poshepny-Vallery and Christi Warren contributed to this article.
