Pliny The Younger Coming Soon

[nateburn]

I went last Thursday. Waited 2.5 hours and got in at about 330. They didn't run out until about 7. Needless to say I had already had my fair share. I think thus year's batch is amazing. It's so well balanced.

I saw Vinny roaming around do I went to say hi. He thought it was their best batch yet, he thought it was because they were sourcing great hops.

 

[jmadway]

Next year, I recommend heading to the Double IPA Fest at The Bistro in Hayward. This year they had Younger available for much of the afternoon, as well as many other double and triple IPAs that certainly rival the great one. What a day it was, although I don't remember how it ended.

 

[HopSong]

Went back again today.. dang this is a great 'vintage" Today was more than the one hour last week.. it was a bit over 2 hrs. Had three glasses.. OMGosh.. I absolutely love this brew.

 

[Proboscidea]

We went there yesterday (Monday). Arrived at 10:45 and the line went all the way down the block. However, once the place opened, about half the line disappeared, and was only a 1-hour wait after that. They let patrons drink as much Pliny the Younger as desired. We stayed for a couple hours and the beer poured freely. The staff seemed to be handling the chaos with grace and patience. Yay them. I imagine it's both a stressful and happy two weeks for them.

My first impression of The Younger was "peaches" followed by "flowery hops." Smooth as velvet. You'd never know it was 10.5% ABV. I would give it 4.99999999 stars out of 5. The 0.00000001 star deduction can be summed up as, "Thanks a lot for ruining every other beer for me for the rest of my life."

Speaking of non-cloying peachiness: I know (do I know? maybe not. I ... "speculate" then) they probably don't use the proprietary Persica yeast in it, which is supposed to lend peach/apricot notes. However, as a side-digression completely unrelated to Pliny the Younger, the trip inspired me to do a batch with Persica and see what comes out.

 

[scottland]

We went Sunday morning. Got in line around 8:45-9:00. By 9:30 the line had turned the corner around D Street. We (barely) made it in the door with the initial group, so I had a Younger in my hand at 11:00. Took around 1hr to get a table, but we had an awesome time. The staff does a fantastic job, and everyone is in a great mood. The vibe in that place is something special.

Pretty spectacular IPA. Was it worth the 2hr wait? I don't know. Is any beer? But this was definitely one of the best I've ever had, and I can cross it off the bucket list.

I brewed a clone last spring, and while pretty close, I think I've got a damn good idea what to tweak.

 

[HopSong]

Talked to a few friends who have been doing this longer than myself.. All agreed that this is the best year so far. Best in my shorter experience

 

[geer537]

Next year I'll post before heading down there. It's now an annual trip for the wife and I. We had such a great time in line last year we went back. The line does suck but it sure helps to make friends in line. We were 5th in line on Saturday Feb 2nd morning. RR opened early at 10:30 to let us in and we were there for 6 hours! Last year's younger was a bit hot but this year's was amazing. Anyone there early on the second?

 

[Jukas]

I was trying to get a buddy to go with me tomorrow midday, but he's going to be in Reno with his wife. I'm still debating going, though I don't much care to drink alone. Any HBT'rs going in the few days?

 

[cjb]

Anybody heard anything about availability outside of Santa Rosa? Seems like it should be showing up soon at the places that are lucky enough to get a keg. I missed it last year, planning to try again...

 

[scottland]

Anybody heard anything about availability outside of Santa Rosa? Seems like it should be showing up soon at the places that are lucky enough to get a keg. I missed it last year, planning to try again...

A number of kegs have been tapped (and drained) in the bay area already. I'd expect a few kegs to make their way up to Portland soon. You might want to 'like' the local bars that get RR beers on Facebook, as a lot of those places only announce tappings there.

I heard they brewed more this year than any year prior, but there were also 8hr lines at the brewery, so who knows?

 

[scottland]

I was trying to get a buddy to go with me tomorrow midday, but he's going to be in Reno with his wife. I'm still debating going, though I don't much care to drink alone. Any HBT'rs going in the few days?

I'd have to imagine that the line wouldn't be bad at midday, midweek. I could be wrong though. You'd probably know better than I.

Since you're a local, I'd say it's definitely worth the trip, even by yourself.

 

[HopSong]

I was trying to get a buddy to go with me tomorrow midday, but he's going to be in Reno with his wife. I'm still debating going, though I don't much care to drink alone. Any HBT'rs going in the few days?

I could be persuaded
Let me know your plans.
I went again yesterday and got there about 1:15 and it was a tad over 2 hrs. Sure was worth it.

 

[triangulum33]

as many as you want.. just can't take any out. But remember the ABV.. or they'll carry you out.

The table of 4 next to us actually got cut off at 4 glasses.

We were there Sun night and Mon morning. It was great. PTY was an awesome beer, but for me, RR's sours are the standout. What a great lineup of extreme experimental brews.
Supplication
Sanctification
Consecration.

Consecration is an 1.078 beer dried all the way out to 10% ABV. Amazing.

 

[scottland]

The table of 4 next to us actually got cut off at 4 glasses.

Our waitress was really nice. She said 3max initially, but as long as you weren't slamming them, eating some food, drinking some water, and taking your time, she would work with us.

I have nothing but great things to say about their entire staff while we were there.

 

[HopSong]

Yah, last week when I went there were def some folks out on the front patio that were totally smashed.. I was surprised they were still serving what with legal responsibilities. When I pour at events, I have to cut people off.. I DON'T want to be in a lawsuit of any kind..

This stuff is 10.8% almost wine ABV's and when you consider 10 oz pours.. sheesh.. smash time.

 

[Ttownbrewer]

I was there opening day (3rd in line), and can say the staff is top notch, Anthony behind the bar for sure. I had as many Youngers as they would serve me, which at last count was over 12... I think. We got in at 10:30, and poured ourselves into a cab around 10:00pm. An unbelievable time, planning on making the trip out again next year.

I was able to talk to Vinnie in line, as we'll as in the pub. He told me they brewed about 100 bbl, but didn't yield anywhere close to that, and that certain distributors wouldn't be getting what they've gotten in the past.

 

[ktblunden]

I brewed a clone last spring, and while pretty close, I think I've got a damn good idea what to tweak.

Please update your clone thread when you do, very interested in giving this one a try.

 

[scottland]

Please update your clone thread when you do, very interested in giving this one a try.

Here's the general gist. I'll be cutting the C40 down to 2 or 3%. 0.5oz less Amarillo @ flameout, and here's the dry hop schedule:

DH1: .5oz ea: Simcoe/Amarillo
DH2: 1oz ea: CTZ/Centennial
DH3: .5oz ea Simcoe/Chinook
DH4: 1oz ea Simcoe/Amarillo

My clone last year was dangerously close, I just didn't have any reference at the time. Just a little too much Amarillo/Centennial character. Also a pinch too much C40. There's definitely some C40 in that beer, just not quite 4%.

I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[Smartass365]

It's a good thing I only have about a 100ft crawl back to my house. :cross:

 

[HopSong]

Now I know how you got your user name

I can't wait.. Sooooonnnn. Think I'll go down on my 'secret' day. Hate them looooonnnnnggggg lines.

 

[SavoryChef]

Now we know where you live, save room for me.

It's a good thing I only have about a 100ft crawl back to my house. :cross:

 

[aggiejason]

My clone last year was dangerously close, I just didn't have any reference at the time. Just a little too much Amarillo/Centennial character. Also a pinch too much C40. There's definitely some C40 in that beer, just not quite 4%.

Not sure if you've seen it, but Vinnie wrote an article in the July/Aug 2009 issue of Zymurgy where he lays out some of the details of his hop schedules, etc. He's got a full recipe for the Elder in the article and then describes in reasonable detail some of the changes he made to the Younger. I found the PDF posted here, too. It's an enjoyable read regardless.

https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/attachments/0000/6351/doubleIPA.pdf

 

[ktblunden]

Unfortunately we won't be able to make the trip this year, hopefully next year. I really hope I can find it on tap down here somewhere, but the chances are not great.

 

[HopSong]

I think last year (2013) was the best yet.. Here's hoping for this year.