Post #10 - Pliny the Elder is overrated

   Beer enthusiasts and adventurers alike swarm to the north bay area a few times a year in search of one single beer. It seems crazy, but driving two hours to north bay and waiting in line for just that long is just what some people do to taste Russian River Brewing's Double IPA called Pliny the Elder.

   A rarity, because to attain such a specific type of beer is to brew fresh and enjoy fresh. India Pale Ale's were designed to last for years due to the extra hops added acting as a preservative. But in order for one to enjoy Pliny the Elder, the brewery itself on their website advises that it should be enjoyed fresh.

   I have tried Pliny, I enjoyed it. From what I remember it was crisp, citrusy, and went down smoothly. I did not wait in line for it and I would never. It's a good beer and just that. The only reason why people wait so long in line is the combination that it is an OKAY beer and is released only a few times to keep the freshness. 

   The beer itself has turned into a novelty item for beer heads all over the bay area. With little nod to how it actually tastes, and if that taste is worth the travel and time to wait.

   I think that it is definitely not worth the wait, but if I saw it at a liquor store I would buy the whole box. Good beer is hard to come by, but not "waiting in line for 2 hours" hard to come by.

   Goodbye, drink responsibly.