Plinyful surprise

What is Pliny?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliny_the_Elder

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It's regarded as one of the best beers in the world for a reason.

 

Oh I thought Bigfoot drank...

 

I believe that would be some form of cannibalism, which Sasquatch aren't really known for. Maybe when they're on vacation down south, though?

Back to the OP - what other IPAs had you tried before this? When you say "too strong", do you just mean "too bitter"? It took me a while to really enjoy IPAs, but I started off on some of the lower caliber stuff that had more of a bitter taste than the tropical citrus or piney backbone. Once I started drinking IPAs more along those lines, I was set.

 

Ya know, I'm just so envious of people who have access to Pliny. People talk about it all the time on the boards, about comparing it to other world class beers and trading for it, and I'd love to have it. Then newbies (no offense, DJ) come on and are like..."Hey guys, this is like the best beer I've ever had." Like...um...yes. It's one of the best beers anyone has ever had. Its one of the best beers in the world, now please send me some.

/(jealous) rant

 

What, that it's a great smelling, delicious, well-crafted, perfectly balanced, (dare I say it) elegant and refined beer? That it virtually defines a style? Everything the OP said are very good reasons as far as I'm concerned. Could barely have said it better myself.

 

Heady Topper is better (Wait....did I just send this thread in the wrong direction)

 

Agreed. Heady topper is what made me like IPA's in the first place.

 

Never had a Heady, but have had PtE..very tasty. very tasty indeed

 

I agree but the sample of Double Sunshine I had earlier makes HT seem lacking in the hops. I have 2 bottles to try and confirm this with.

 

I actually brought back two bottles of DS from Vermont last weekend. You are right. Much more "hoppy." Reminded me a bit of Hoptimum. Good beer, but I think HT is much more balanced and flavorful.

 

I agree. I just bought 2 bottles of DS today as Sean was at a local store pouring samples, chatting and selling both DS and Big Hapi. Going to be pouring a DS in a few minutes.

 

I've no access to Pliny but Double Jack will do me well through anything.

 

I tried my first and only Pliny a couple months ago at Dark Lord Day 2012. unfortunately it was about 7 hours after we got in line and started drinking. After all those years waiting all I can tell you is it was good at the time. Hopeing to score some in Philly on a trip next month.

 

I did a side by side a week or so ago with Heady and PtE, and in my book PtE smoked it. Like I said before Heady is some top notch DIPA especially out of a can, but no comparison to PtE, sorry.

Cheers!

 

I'm challenging you, IPA's don't have to be strong to be enjoyable and compared to Pliny, there's a lot out there with less octane that are enjoyable. Is it the perceived bitterness that turns you off? If you don't drink IPA's and equate this to Northern CA, are you classifying by experience or by what you've read? I don't argue your enthusiasm at all, I love it too.