Pliny the Younger 2020 Release News

Ahem.. Cough.. cough... ISO... Cough Cough.

 

Good for Russian River!

The best breweries in the world aren't the ones who feel the need to follow each hot trend, but the ones who can adapt and modernize their existing model.

 

they'll look like this right? (kidding of course)

 

I haven’t had younger in 6+ years. I remember the days of growler fills to go. I believe 6 growler limits. My first experience of younger was their last year for growlers fills. So the glass experience is back, with a twist. Just show up and have fun. I just might do younger next year. Maybe the Mind Circus in cans will still be around.

 

I'll be out in San Diego the end of February. Hoping to catch a release event if possible.

 

Not that I'm complaining about PtY being available in bottles - although I think the reputation will take a nosedive as traders hold onto the beer (PtE drops off after a week IMO, can't imagine PtY). I am all for having more options as a consumer.

But with this news, and them canning their other beer - this seems to be more indicative that their previous model ain't working anymore, and the downward slide of craft beer in general. So a win for us customers, but it's not without its hesitations about how beer is doing.

 

I’m just anxiously awaiting the “it’s not as good as it used to be because it’s bottled at their new facility” posts.

 

Well, to be honest, the 2019 version of PtY was different. The Windsor version was kinda hazy? And the Santa Rosa version was clear. I can't tell you taste differences, since I only had the Windsor version. (Enjoyable, but didn't quite taste the same as previous years.)

 

Here is the link Instagram post for those interested. I’m personally stoked to see it in bottles.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6b9iFJFyX_/?igshid=18f9cgs5wn710

 

Totally agree. Only had the Windsor version but it was more unfiltered and a tad sweeter. I also didn’t have the SR version but a buddy who had both said the Windsor version was more “new-age” if that make sense.
i also heard some stuff about Windsor implementing open top fermentation opposed to SR location closed top (I could be wrong or confused- I know zilch about fermentation or the art of brewing) but I don’t know if that is enough to create a difference.

 

To add to this, supposedly all the distro kegs where from Windsor as well. I definitely asked at city beer and toronado when I had pours and both said Windsor.

 

I really enjoyed my first taste of Younger last year at Tustin Brewing Company after having it for the first time in Santa Rosa in 2013. As others have stated though, it’s definitely a “drink now” beer. I expect some heavy disappointment from someone sipping it poured from a bottle from the first time in Vermont, but oh well. It’s a great beer and I hope people who haven’t had it before enjoy it.

 

I agree on the model but I respectfully disagree that this signals a downward slide for craft beer. To varying degrees, your large regional breweries like Russian River, Three Floyd’s, and Maine have been slow to adapt to consumer preferences (speaking more about price and packaging than what’s in the glass). I think this is just late catch up but certainly welcome and exciting news. Lots of us tickers around the country will be eager for February to arrive

 

Or maybe it's just the next logical step after their expansion

 

Apparently, I didn’t have to wait very long.

 

I was literally replying to you

 

I talked to someone from RR near the time of Younger release. They said basically what you did: the Windsor Younger was open top fermentation vs closed top like in the past.

 

The shift is their choice given greater production volume. Could've likely just as easily been more kegs to existing or new markets.

I'll make the trek, and buy bottles if its one of the hyper dry finish batches that I've loved in the past. Passing on anything hazy or slightly sweet, YMMV.

 

I’m personally excited about this—if I can somehow avoid the lines and if there’s still bottles to go then I’ll be a happy man. Since I drive I play it safe (start on a full belly, sip on one PtY, drink lots of water) but always want a second pour...