Pliny the Elder lover looking for a second relationship

Have some awesome East Coaster send you some MBC Lunch! That oughta do it for ya!

 

In CA, I have to recommend Firestone Walker Double Jack and Bear Republic Cafe Racer for beers that are easily available. I love PtE and when in CA you have to take advantage of it on draft or bottle but there are many other world class DIPAs too!

 

No one has mentioned Beachwood?! really? you should actually be able to get that near you. get the ones that say IPA on them, any of them. mid size brewpub of the year if i remember right they are killing it

 

I think sucks, enjoy by, dirt wolf, and simtra are good substitutes, and all available in the Bay Area. But I'd also say pay attention to social media, all the shops here make it known when pliny comes in, which is generally a Wednesday in the middle of the month (in the South Bay at least.)

 

That doesn't mean it's not rotting away some horrible/unscrupulous BAs cellar ISO whales...

 

We don't get beachwood, alpine, modern times, kern river, societe, noble ale works, or any other small SoCal brewery in the Bay. You have to keep in mind how big CA is, those breweries are a minimum 6 hour drive if not more.

 

This. And it was really hard for me to admit as a native Californian who moved to New England. Just a phenomenal beer.

 

I've had both Pliny the Elder and Heady Toppper. In my opinion, Lagunitas Sucks, Victory Hop Ranch, and NEBCO Ghandi-bot are all close contenders. Lagunitas sucks is readily available. Not sure about Victory beer in CA. You would definitely have to trade for Ghandi-bot.

 

The answer is simple. You don't need a new beer, you need a new wife.

 

Yes you are exactly right!

 

I like me some Simtra. Not quite the same, but a nice substitute for me

 

I recently discovered that fresh Alesmith IPA is made with God's tears of beer joy. Your local Whole Foods is blessed with it.

 

Well, for me it's Zombie Dust (APA, I know, but "intensely hopped"), Pliny, then Heady. But obviously they aren't easily available. Sierra Nevada Hoptimum, Celebration and Torpedo are all great choices. Lagunitas Hop Stoopid and Sucks are good as well. FW Double Jack is nice and available year round.
If you ever come to/move to Chicago, I'd recommend Pipeworks Ninja V Unicorn and Unicorn Galaxy. Two Bros seasonals, Hopcentric and Heavy Handed. And of course FFF Zombie Dust, Permanent Funeral, Dreadnaught, and Arctic Panzer.

 

Not sure how that separates itself but ok...

 

Disagreed, respectfully... Of course

OP - sent you a BM. At the end of the day, it's a pointless search. Nothing else adds up or surpasses. Alpine has equalled IMHO, but didn't surpass. Abner not in the running.

 

I'm in the same boat mate. I'm in Lodi which is also 2 hours from RR.
Sucks is very good, but its not Pliny.
Sculpin is good, but it is citrusy. I do enjoy it tho. I've had them both stocked in the fridge in recent months.
(edit) Oh and i see u got Green Flash West Coast IPA. That's good too.
I personally enjoy Knee Deep brews, especially Hoptologist and Simtra (very good).

I just try and branch out to different styles. There are some very good stouts out there. And I've yet to try Dirt Wolf but I hear its in the area (up near you).

Happy Hunting.

 

I'm somewhat surprised not one person has mentioned Boneyard Hop Venom. Not sure if it gets to NorCal though.

 

We don't they dont ship to Nor Cal. I've read it's supposed to be terrific tho. I'm trying to work on some trade relationships so I can get some

Uh... hi.

 

I can send you a growler tomorrow if you want man. BM me. RPM is fantastic as well