Review: Pliny the Elder4
fact sheet
- Style: Imperial IPA
- Serving: Draft
- Volume: 10oz
- ABV: 8.00%
Pliny the Elder, an Imperial IPA from Russian River Brewing Company in California, is said to be one of the best beers out there in recent times. So outstanding, it’s quite hard to find, though not as hard as it’s nephew, Pliny the Younger. Fortunately, we were able to find this on draft this past Saturday at The Drafting Room in Exton, PA for their Hopfest event.
Considering this is one beer none of us have had before, we had to make it to the event. We were fortunate enough to each get at least 3-4 10oz glasses, before we decided to move onto other beers. However, Pliny the Elder was so delicious, it was worth having a few, considering we probably won’t find it again until next year.
The visuals on this were a pristine clear and copper-orange body with a delicate, creamy and frothy white head, about half-an-inch in height. Through the body, you could see moderate and steady bubbles rising to the crest of the head.
As tempting as it appeared, the nose was even better. Prominent scents of picked pine needles, sap, citrusy hops and sweet floral notes mixed with an amazingly rich malt profile in the back end. These two flavor profile coexisted in perfection, allowing each to display their aromatic flavors.
One of the first things you notice after taking a sip is how smooth and creamy the mouth feel is. For having a ton of hops and 40% more malt than their flagship IPA, the balance is outstanding. Again, it’s moderately carbonated and creamy on the palate leaving a nice, crisp hoppy bite and bitter finish. Falling on the back of the palate and into the linger is a slight squeeze of pink grapefruit. Some malt notes are noticeable though overwhelmingly the hoppy profile shines.
It’s really no surprise why this beer gets outstanding reviews. For an Imperial IPA, this has exactly what the hop heads are looking for: a hoppy bite and body while being complex enough to be different and deliciously smooth. I can’t reiterate enough how creamy and smooth the mouth was. It really was unlike anything I’ve had before. If you ever get the chance to track down and find this beer, please do. Absolutely one, if not the, best Imperial IPA I’ve had to date. Sorry, 90 Minute, you’ve been ousted.
Rating
out of 100
Shane Holland is the Editor-in-Chief for Passion Beer.
He is a self-proclaimed craft beer geek and an all around lovable dork. He loves homebrewing, everything Philadelphia, traveling and enjoying the pleasures of life.
I got the chance to have a few pints of Pliny out in Oceanside CA over the summer, and your sentiment are nearly identical to mind.
I only wish most East Coast IPA’s could somehow replicate the smooth creaminess that brews like Pliny, Sculpin, or even Racer 5 do.
I agree. Like I said, I really haven’t had an Imperial IPA with that type of mouth feel before. Vinnie has seriously crafted this one to almost perfection.
I completely agree. This beer is worth trying for everyone. This beer is now one of my favorites!
What more can be said. This was a great beer, far and away one of the best I have had. Good complex flavors, yet balance ruled the day. An IPA that is easy for all to love.
Try it.