Russian River - Pliny The Younger (2014)

While RR's beers are good, personally I don't go out of my way for them unless it's for trading.
Give me a fresh bomber of Simtra, brewed year round, any day of the week.
No wait, no hype. Just straight good beer.

 

I want to make it out to San Diego as well. Where's the best place to go? I heard Stone gets a Keg or so every year. Has anyone gotten it there?
Thanks!

 

I just thought I would chime in since I followed the thread from the beginning and never thought I would get the chance or even have the fortitude to stand in line for something and...yet I did on Friday - I got in line behind some amusing craft beer appreciators one who kept saying 'It is all in your state of mind!" while wearing a canada tossel cap and matching Canadian Olympic mittens from when it was held at Wissler. I made up my mind on the 2+ hour ride up from Fremont with my Mom, Aunt and son that I was not leaving without it and held fast after getting in line at 1:30 in the afternoon.

I felt fine until watching a patron leave and empty his stomach in front of us but the rain increased after that...this was friday 2/7/14 at around 5. I did not have an umbrella or raingear but my hooded fleece kept out the elements until I was within viewing distance of the door. I was feeling a little pessimistic when I arrived but after getting my first taste of PTY since 7+ years prior I realized why I waited over 8 hours it was stupendous...just great and I really respect the way Russian River has handled this with a grace some other limited releases wish they could it was pretty crazy yet once I reached the place near the tap it was like the eye of the storm. I would go again...but maybe on a weekday earlier in the day.

 

Got to the brewery at 6:30. I was about 15th in line. Around 7, Vinnie came out and chatted with us. I enjoyed hearing him discuss how the 2013 hops crop was a little light in oils and odor due to a cool growing season. He thanked us for our loyalty. Seemed a pretty down to earth guy.



I left around 1 pm and the line down 4th street looked ridiculously long.

 

I'd be down for a fresh bomber

 

So this years isn't quite as good as the last couple years batches is the consensus?

 

Let's spread the word that this year's is nothing special. I'll be there on Monday, and would appreciate a shorter line.

 

maybe RR should go Westvleteren style and take reservations for PtY...

 

In line. Holy balls I'm excited

 

how many ahead of you?

 

Possibly get in for first seating

 

Going Thursday.


I mean. ... no I'm not .... shhh.

 

Good luck man, have fun!

 

This is fuckinf awesome

 

Any word yet stealthy?

 

Younger is delicious. Worth the trip alone. Consecration and supplication on tap are let downs. Too young ! Beatification and sanctification 2010 on the other hand are fucking amazing. Elder and blind pig side by side. Omg

 

After all the bitching and complaining about whether it's worth it, how good Younger even is, what a valid wait time is, whether or not RR should expand...it's refreshing to see this. A dude unabashedly as stoked as he can be about a goddamn beer! Cheers dude!

 

Fucking right man. Thanks!

Ps: food's not bad either !

 

Many places around here are only doing partial pours under the guise of letting as many people as possible try it ... though in actuality I suspect it is more of a money grab.

In OC/South LA:

Tustin Brewing is doing 8 ounce pours next Wednesday. Gotta buy tickets in the morning and then come back after 3 PM. Great for the jobless I guess.

Hollingshead is doing their's on the 17th.

Haven Gastropub will get it, not sure when yet though.

Beachwood is doing their annual raffle for charity which seems legit, but at least it is for a full pint.

38 Degrees in Alhambra did it in a flight last year with Elder, Pig, and Row 2. Not really worth the two hour wait for a 4 ounce taster I think.

The other place I got it last year (which shall remain nameless, sorry) did pints, and my buddy and I got two pours each ... could have easily been three but we were nice, LOL.

Can't really blame anyone for doing a cash grab, but I tend to respect the places that say "screw it" and don't announce ahead of time ... let their regulars have first crack at it.

 

If Natalie Cilurzo finds out and deems it excessive (extorting customers), then said location will not get product again. There is an article in the Pressdemocrat where she mentions this.