Russian River

The release of Russian River's Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig (below right) in bottles has caused a minor frenzy in the craft beer world. These beers come in 16.9 ounce bottles and are hard to find due to their limited release.

It is not uncommon for hype and expectations to exceed taste for hard to get beers. This is not the case for these two beers as both are excellent. Both are IPAs, and Pliny the Elder is a double IPA. To me, these beers are unique in that the first taste for both is unremarkable, but as you proceed down the glass the taste improves and the last taste is a moment of sadness.


This is not common in an IPA, as the hop bitterness can numb the taste buds after a few swallows and make it hard to distinguish flavors after the first few sips. Any brewer can add obscene amounts of hops and create a hop bomb, but only the true craftsman can add massive hops and make a delicious, drinkable beer. The brewers at Russian River have accomplished this feat.

These beers are almost session beers, and would be session beers if their alcohol levels weren't so high (6% for Blind Pig and 8% for Pliny the Elder). Restraint and self-discipline are required when drinking Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig. These two beers reassured my faith in IPAs after several excellent Belgian Golden Ales.