where are you guys getting pliny the elder at?

I don't know how it works in Sacramento, but in L.A. virtually no one puts it out on the shelf; it's usually kept in the back cooler where only employees go. You gotta find the "beer guy" and ask for it by name (and you might as well find out what else they have back there while you're at it).

Thing is, Pliny usually goes really fast so you gotta know when it comes in. Try following a couple of your local spots on FB or Twitter--lots of times places will post new arrivals on their page so then you know to go or call and ask them to hold you a bottle (some places will).

Cheers and good luck!

 

Best bet is to ask the beer dude when they get shipments in. Sometimes it's once every two/three weeks and about a case only. I know whole foods that get it keep it in the back and you have to ask for it. Some spots I know in L.A. have it on the shelf but are very strict to limiting it one or two per person.

 

Same here, you need to ask the beer guy about the off the shelf hidden cooler stash(do ask what else is there!), and question him when the order comes in. My place gets two cases a month, and I get an email when it's in, makes life a little easier to get Pliny which I don't believe is the best out there, but I'm on the "bandwagon" and buy it when it's available.
Check your local pubs to see if they serve it on tap. I have a local pub that has it pretty regularly.

 

Try this (http://www.taplist.at/beer-search/) for finding it on tap, it's a lot faster and way better than Yelp. It uses check-ins on Untappd to populate its data so it updates itself. Cheers!

 

I heard that The Nugget in Vacaville had it at some point. The only time I've seen it is on tap.

 

Total wine on Arden gets it sometimes, Davis Beer Shoppe and the Co-Op in Davis get it occasionally. The Nugget markets get it.

 

It's easier to drive to Portland to get Pliny than it is to get it in Sacramento, a mere 100 miles from the brewery...

 

I was under the impression that Vinnie will not sell to BevMo because BevMo did not agree to refrigerate it many moons ago.

 

The local shops will occasionaly get it but not very much. It usually sells out the same day. Most dont have it though. If they have it, you have to ask or they will tell you they have some. I know one that doesn't advertise when they get some cause people just chase it and don't buy anything else or never come back. That way the regulars who are always in get the first chance. Its easier to get on draft. I know Pangaea and Burgers and Brew in Sac almost always have it on draft. Sam Hornes and Flaming Grill get it from time to time. If you want bottles, gotta go to Santa Rosa and stock up.

And not that Pliny isn't good, but just have a Panic IPA, LE-RE, Double Tap, Hoptologist, Simtra, PU 240 or something thats easier to get and fresher. There are so many other good IPAs that's its not really worth the trouble.

 

Simtra is my very favorite, it's so damn good, hard to believe the alcohol content is so high! BONUS!

To the OP, you're 2 hours to Russian River Brewing, that might be best instead of trying trying trying to score maybe two bottles. The place is a nice busy hangout, with decent foods. During the week would be best, and not during lunch time!
I don't think it's the best either, but we all need to try it to decide for ourselves, yes?

 

Throw in Double Tap and there is no reason to search for Pliny in Sac. The last batch of LERE was unbelievably good, those guys are killing it. PU240 has been selling so fast that all of the recent batches have been fresh and incredible as well. Too much good stuff out here. Another not often mentioned IPA and DIPA that are proving themselves to be contenders are the SSB and Hop Herd from American River. Very good stuff.

 

Dang...I don't know the abbreviations yet! Who makes Double Tap? What is LERE? PU240?
I agree on the American River SSB, and it's not overly priced.

 

Double Tap is from Berryessa Brewing in Winters. Left Eye Right Eye is Track 7's DIPA. PU240 is from Auburn Alehouse.

 

I usually buy it from places that just stock it when I see it and don't buy it otherwise. I imagine the beer departments of practically every craft beer store in town is tired of the constant question "Do you have Pliny the Elder?!"

While I have no insight into the truth of that statement (Bevmo has plenty of refrigerated space, but maybe its against their policy?), I can't imagine it helps that Bevmo is a huge chain that probably would stretch RR thin if they sent anything at all there. They can't keep up with demand at the local mom-n-pop places as it is.

 

Here are the places in Sac that get Pliny. Just see the list and start calling around.

http://russianriverbrewing.com/sacramento-area-distributor/

 

That's RR's distributor in Sacramento, not a store that carries it.

 

You want bottles, right? Yeah, good luck with that one, buddy.

Hop on the 80 and head to the bay if you're jones-ing. Otherwise, keep your ear to the ground and keep reaching for the stars!