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Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company is not just a beer; it is a living legend of the American craft beer movement and an absolute benchmark for the Double IPA style, coveted and studied by brewers and enthusiasts worldwide.
General Information
Name: Pliny the Elder
Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
Origin: Santa Rosa, California, USA
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.0%
IBU: 100+
Calories: 220 kcal
Glassware: Tulip Glass or IPA Glass
Contenido
Tasting Notes
Crafted with an abundant charge of American hops like Simcoe, Columbus, Centennial, and Amarillo, Pliny the Elder uses intensive dry-hopping that seeks to prioritize aromas and flavors over abrasive bitterness. The malt, simple and effective, acts as a discreet scaffold for this monumental hoppy display.
1. Appearance
Deep golden color with amber reflections, bright and crystal clear. It develops a white, dense, and rocky foam, with excellent retention, that clings to the glass in a persistent and continuous lace.
2. Aroma
A hoppy explosion rises immediately, complex and vibrant. Intense notes of resinous pine, citrus peel (grapefruit, orange), and ripe tropical fruits (mango, passion fruit) intertwine with a subtle and clean touch of alcohol that confirms its strength. The malt base is almost imperceptible, integrated as a support in the whole.
3. Flavor
The attack is a symphony of hop flavors, pine resin, and a bitter citrus that quickly gives way to a wave of juicy tropical fruits. The maltiness, light and with a hint of sweet biscuit, emerges halfway only to provide a momentary counterpoint to the hoppy character, preceding an intensely bitter, clean, and prolonged finish that immediately invites the next sip.
4. Mouthfeel
Medium body, with a medium-high carbonation that feels lively and effervescent. The texture is surprisingly dry for its density, allowing the hop flavors to dominate without fatiguing the palate. The alcohol is masterfully integrated, providing a subtle warmth in the aftertaste without being harsh or dominant.
5. Overall Impression
Pliny the Elder is the epitome of the modern Double IPA, a masterpiece of balance within intensity. Far from being a simple exercise in bitterness, it is a beer where the hop expresses its entire range of flavors and aromas in a stratified and elegant manner. Its legend is cemented in an impeccable technical execution that achieves an enviable freshness and drinkability for its alcoholic strength. Drinking a Pliny the Elder is experiencing a fundamental chapter in the history of craft beer.
Suggested Pairings
Pliny the Elder, with its intense hoppy, resinous, and citrus profile and its solid alcoholic structure, demands pairings that can contrast or complement its potency, ideally with dishes of equally defined and fatty flavors.
1. Main Courses
Pairs perfectly with grilled and spiced meats. Pork ribs glazed with smoky barbecue sauce or spicy chicken wings find in the beer’s clean bitterness and citrus a counterpoint that cuts the fat and cleanses the palate.
2. Cheeses
The intensity of Pliny the Elder harmonizes best with aged and potent cheeses. An aged cheddar, a cured goat cheese, or a smoked gouda creates a robust pairing. The fat and salinity of the cheese are balanced by the carbonation and bitterness, while the beer’s citrus notes create a bridge of harmony.
3. Vegetarian Dishes
This double IPA can complement earthy and umami flavors. A grilled portobello mushroom burger with smoked cheese or tacos with spiced, shredded jackfruit are excellent options. The beer’s resinous and citrus character highlights the toasted and smoky flavors, cutting through the richness of the ingredients.
4. Desserts
Although it is challenging territory, it can pair with citrusy and creamy desserts. A cheesecake with passion fruit coulis or a lemon meringue pie are bold choices where the dessert’s acidity and creaminess converse with the beer’s bitterness and fruitiness, creating a vibrant and satisfying contrast.
