Russian River Rant

Man, I wanted to say 13,000 bbl, poor typing on my part. I'm behind on the volumes regardless.

 

To the OP, forget everything from MOST of the replies before my reply. Craft Beer is a victim of it's own success, the only true answer is to move on and find another local place to hang, or brew yer own. There is a huge portion of craft brew drinkers that have nothing better to do than support this exploding industry, while I, have more work than I can ever get done in a lifetime to do, so I just move on to the next up and comer, I don't have time to wait, so I do the only logical thing, move on, your NOT a Whiner, you don't read like somebody who thinks their entitled, your just frustrated from the success of RR, and wishes for the simpler days, move on, and it will be simpler.

 

1st, I put on my flak jacket.

I do not at all understand all the hoopla over Pliny unless it's due to the lack of availability. I definitely would not go out of my way or wait outside the pub to have another one. There are just way to many other options out there for great beers. For me it was maybe in the 88 pt range. Friendly place w poor service.

Now I'll duck.

 

No need to duck!

Lack of availability is what drives most of the hype in this hobby. Some admit it, some don't, but it's true.

 

Pliny on tap is god-tier, but that's not replicable many places. The real stars of Russian River are the wilds, though. Nothing quite like Supplication or Consecration out there that's affordable or more easily attainable.

I do agree that service there was underwhelming. No reason to feel the need to flak up for your opinions. Not every beer will appeal to every person.

 

Their direction as a brewer has little to do with their remodel. Yes, it's more inconvenient as a diner and as a bottle buyer. But that has nothing to do with beer production and style development.

 

Why do you think the cost of housing is so damn high in SD and SF/OAK? It's all about the beer! Central Cali is the speed bump.

 

BTW, I come down to Monterrey all the time, can I bring you something from RR? I'd love to grab a beer. Cheers.

 

Shit, you've had way more than me...doesn't look like I can bring you anything. I'll still grab a beer, just can't offer much.

 

How can I get me a hectare of that cheapass Monterey real estate?

 

absolutely! Let me know when you make it out here and I'll meet you for a few beers. Always down to share some beers

 

I was just at RR, for my first time, this past fall. Went on a Sunday afternoon, waited outside in the beautiful Cali sun, went inside and enjoyed some delicious drafts and left with a case of PtE... Wait, at which point was I supposed to be unsatisfied about my experience?

 

BTW I recently had a day at Hill Farmstead when we arrived at about 3:00 and there was no line, only two folks in front of us. First time that has happened, and it has never happened to friends I have told about this. Just wanted to update a comment made in this thread.

 

Imagining this is like thinking about space

 

Aw, come on. You called and told them you would be there at 3:00 and they simply cleared the place out for you, a visiting beer dignitary from the Hudson Valley, correct? HaHa.

 

I made the mistake this weekend of trying to stop by for lunch around 2 on a Saturday. There was about a 20 minute wait to get in to wait another 60 minutes for a table. I was hoping the rain and late lunch hour would have worked in my favor, but it was still a pain in the ass. I just ended up getting some bottles to go which was pretty easy.

Fine, don't expand production, but for fuck's sake, expand the dining area. If it's close to a perpetual hour and a half + wait for any time that's not opening, that sucks for your customers. I left with bottles for gifts, but still annoyed with the company.

I'm swearing off ever going again for a time that's not opening.

 

This happened to me as well in October 2013. It was my last trip before moving out of VT, Lucky Me!

 

Sssshhh. 18th St, Baby
Thanks for the brew Rob.

 

I heard a similar story when I was up there about 6 months ago. I had gotten there for the opening, but as I was leaving I could see how there could not much of a line left by later in the afternoon. I asked the cashier and she said its often the case.

 

I

I agree completely. Pliny is great but gun to my head I couldn't differentiate it from a well made local dipa. The sours are where Russian River really shines.