Russian River Brewing Company is set for their annual release of their triple IPA Pliny the Younger. Released every February, this beer is stronger (10%) and hoppier than the brewpub staple Pliny the Elder. Recently named the Best Beer in the United States by RateBeer.com, the release date of February 4th is sure to be an exciting day, but not without its questions.
For those who witnessed “Younger Day” last year, they saw lines that extended down 4th Street which took up to 2-3 hours to navigate. The crowd was full of beer lovers wanting to get a taste of the rare brew as well as profiteers looking to buy their limit of 2 growlers (64 ounce to-go bottles) per person to sell online. These crowds were magnified by the coinciding SF Beer Week which held its Opening Gala later that night. The result was that Pliny the Younger was all gone by 8pm on release day.
To avoid a similar situation where the beer ran out, Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo have changed the rules for 2011. No longer will you be able to buy a growler to take home. Also, a set amount of beer will be set aside for each day for the next 2 weeks, ensuring availability until at least the 18th of February.
Another change didn’t come from Russian River but from the San Francisco Brewer’s Guild who moved SF Beer Week back one week to kick off on the 11th of February.
Talking to beer lovers in the area, there is a sense that the event will be less of a circus this year, but no one is willing to bet against a long line. The pub opens at 11 with many saying they are willing to come early just in case. Will anyone be getting in line at 6:30am after a drive from Santa Barbara as the couple I spoke to last year? We won’t know until tomorrow.
Pliny the Younger will be available at the Russian River brewpub as well as at select accounts across the Bay Area and in select cities around the country. In the brewpub a 10 ounce pour will cost $4.25 with no Happy Hour rates.
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