Beer Review 57: Russian River Pliney the Elder

As I was looking through my blog the other day I realized I had not yet reviewed on of the better beer's in the country and one of my favorites... Russian River's Pliny the Elder. This Double IPA is simply amazing and by far one of the top 3 in its style. Full bodied and complex, this double IPA really pleases. If you follow this blog you very well know that Russian River Brewery is my favorite brewery because top to bottom all their beer's are really great. Pliny the Elder is great for a lot of reasons, but its affordability is one of the major reasons. At $4.89 a 500 ml bottle this beer is a steal, especially considering the 8% abv this beer is bottled at. The only down fall of Pliny is that it may be hard to find if you don't live in norther California, and if you do find it the shop that is selling it may limit the amount of bottles you can buy. Moreover, Pliny needs to enjoyed out of a tulip glass to make sure you enjoy all the wonderful aroma this beer processes. Also consider that the serving size for Pliny is 8.6 0z, so enjoy and sip this beer accordingly. Furthermore, this beer makes a great summer time beer and pairs well with many great summer BBQ dishes and like always Pizza is IPA's best friend.

Color: A dull Golden hay color with hints of honey at the core. Forms a nice two finger white foamy head and it leaves behind some really good lacing.

Nose: A plethora of hops and sweetness that is blended with amazing citrus fruit aromas. You get hints of pine and very mellow caramel. Also evident are the smells of peach and tangerine followed the zesty grapefruit and pineapple.

Palate: The drinkability of this beer is sublime. Wonderfully carbonated and refreshing. This beer is complex on the tongue offering plenty of citrus punch combined by an excellent hop body.The sweetness from the malt in this beer is just right, giving Pliny another level of greatness

Finish: Smooth and soothing. One of the top 3 double IPA's on the market. This beer offers everything an IPA should be and more way more. IT can be a bit dry at the end but nothing to diminish the excellent craftsmanship of this beer

Rating: 97 out 100