Does every Whole Foods sell Pliny?

I think everything you've said about the those 3 points are more or less accurate. Stone (SD) does the distribution for RR. Also, good to note, WFM is a gigantic account that moves tons of Stone and Stone-related product. I don't think there's anything bullshit about that. The account is worth tons vs. a small liquor store.

On that note, depending on where you're located, there are other easy ways to get Pliny - also try other breweries and beers. There's literally tons of stuff out there.

 

Until Russian River starts production at the new brew house they are at max capacity and have been for years, and until production increases Stone has a set amount to distribute to all Whole Foods accounts. So yeah, all three are true.

Not to worry though because Pliny never hits the shelf at Whole Foods anyway, and if you really want to score some you'll need to develop a rapport with the cheesemonger which actually makes standing in a line in Torrance seem reasonable.

 

If only it were so simple. RR's new brewery is slated to have the exact same capacity, and they won't continue brewing on their old equipment once the new one is up. So, as far as I understood it, nothing will change as far as availability or distribution.

 

RR has also been known to pull Pliny from some accounts, including some Whole Foods, for "unfair" selling practices (like hoarding for employee consumption or giving to favorite customers), or even improper refrigeration. Anyway, what, exactly, is the point of your question? Are you basically upset that you can't find Pliny? I've noticed it becoming somewhat more available, even down here in SoCal. Just a guess, but I think it's popularity has peaked. Plus, with so much other good beer out there, people aren't as obsessive about finding PtE as they used to be. Lastly, I see it on tap more and more, both down here and up there. It really shouldn't be that hard to find it these days.

 

You're not missing out on anything.

Beachwood Long Beach has it on tap often. I always pass on it because Beachwood's IPA are far better.

 

Not all Whole Foods get Pliny.

 

I guess my feeling is that RR can decide to sell to whomever they want, and don't really need to explain their reasoning to anyone. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that their reasoning, whatever it is, isn't arbitrary. Another thing I'm pretty sure of, having talked to my own local bottle shop that does carry Pliny, is that carrying Pliny can be almost more trouble than it's worth. I've been in the store when literally three people have called in five minutes asking, "Do you have your Pliny yet?" It's kind of a pain in the ass for a small shop.

 

I looked back at the article from January, and realized that they do in fact plan to increase production from 12,000 barrels to 35,000 barrels. My bad. What they don't plan to do is significantly increase their distribution footprint.

 

Still funny to see folks reactions to "no, I'm good" when I'm offered Pliny. If they were smart, they would absolutely not up production and ride the hype train as long as they can. I strongly believe the scarcity lends to it's popularity.

So many beers that were hyped that had production upped considerably are now shelf turds.

 

I think its popularity is also due to the constant stream of people discovering craft beer. The 50 year old lady I saw asking for 'Plinny' (rhymes with penny) the other day wasn't interested in an Amalgamator six pack.

 

This is actually the way the historian's name is pronounced (the one the beer is named after).

Plinius = "plin-EE-uss"

So she may be technically correct.

I've never actually heard anyone from Russian River pronounce their own beer, would be interested in hearing them say it out loud.

 

RR pronounces it ply-knee.

 

Good to know!

 

I just had the 1/20/17 bottle and thought it was better than usual.

 

an elderly woman at an airport, who was with a few elderly female friends, asked my about my Pliny sweatshirt. she told me she was impressed that I a young man was interested in philosophy. I told her it was a beer, and that that was just as important

 

Just don't be that guy who has nothing in the hands and only wants Pliny. Grab some chips or lunch and they will hook you up. Take care of your beer guy, and they will take care of you. It's a avenue that flows both ways

 

Or buy one of any other awesome IPA's without having to blow your beer guy.