Hype Train: Russian River Brewing Company

[@MispeledStalion]

I am moving to California soon. Two biggest motivations for the move: my wife lives there and easy access to RR beer. Every single beer they make is loaded with flavor and wildly drinkable. Deserving of every ounce of hype they receive.

[@botmanjq1]

It never was!!! I'm from Nor-Cal and California beers suck. Especially our IPA's. All the hoppy estrogen filled slob is turning all our California men gay and weak. J/k....not really.

[@joejohnson8670]

Hope her boyfriend knows your coming

[@michaelreimer951]

Nice, there is alot of great beer up there so will never get old. I go to an annual contractor refresher in Vacaville so I can go to Heretic Brewery (was absolutely incredible before they sold with barrel aged), and would always make sure to go hit up RR, their sours are incredible alone as they were one of the first I know of outside of Belgium to really nail that. I also try to hit up Lagunitas usually for the Waldos beer (formerly 420 beer), and The Brew Networks Hop Grenade when in Concord (they always have Pliney on tap and togo bottles along with other crazy good and hard to get beers Cantillion sometimes even).

[@Joeskee68]

@@joejohnson8670 🤣🤣🤣

[@bobmckoolky5346]

Bro. California is the LAND of the badass microbrewery. Pliny is great, undeniably. But there are so many other fantastic beers out here. When you land, hit your local bottle shop. And try not to spend your entire paycheck. (Most of us do.)

[@irongeek7933]

From Pennsylvania and I LOVE when I can get Russian River. Pliny is my favorite beer.

[@AndrewNuttall]

If you haven't had Victory Dirtwolf be sure to try it. Very very similar, way easier to get in PA fresh and even a touch stronger.

[@thekentishpilgrim]

Agree breweries like this are very rare and should be respected and supported. One day I’ll try their beer!🍻

[@dfriendperc]

“Pliny is just sitting there waiting for those hazy drinkers to come around to it” Too funny!

[@seanwinter4784]

West Coast IPA is my favourite style and Pliny is the best West Coast IPA I've ever had. It is truly tremendous

[@aaronneal4280]

It is surreal to try a beer that blows you away when all you have heard is how good it is.

[@AceTeale]

Nice little video, of a couple of classic beers, well done

[@ashlybuck5706]

I'm a California native and I visited Russian River with my sister some time ago now. It was a great experience and I want to go back so badly.

[@vincentr.6109]

I was fortunate enough to have received this beer this past Christmas. It was great. I've lost count on how many double IPA's I have had. It certainly stands out and is worth its hype.

[@dudestewbrews]

Every time I'm in California I seek these two beers out. I'm never dissapointed. Absolutely fantastic beers!

[@mrougelot]

Hearing Imperial IPA is an old fashioned term makes me feel incredibly old.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

We are old. All of us.

[@Drod0272]

I had the opportunity to visit Russian River Brewery when it was still with Korbel. My first time trying Blind Pig, along with some other amazing beers. Through the years when Vinnie brought the brewery from Korbel and moved it to the OG space in Santa Rosa, I would pay a yearly pilgrimage. Vinnie, and his wife Natalie are amazing people, bringing some world-class beers to beer lovers. They kick ass. I'm yet to visit the "newer" brewery, but I look forward to visiting someday soon.

[@davidellis6468]

After tireless research (asking my mates in the local railway museum) Horn Handle, that's the name of the Hype Train air tug to make the horn sound. You're welcome. 😁

[@sebastianspeke8832]

Got a Pliny in my fridge ready to go. This video is a sign that I'll drink this beer this weekend. Timing Is everything!

[@ChadzBeerReviews]

Just reviewed both of these a few months ago and they're still great.

[@tjewald32]

Excellent review of these legendary RR beers. Cheers!

[@averageguysworld]

I was lucky to drink the pliny several times fresh from the tap (in Santa Rosa & toronado bar in SF) during a west coast trip some years ago. It is still the best IPA I've ever had!!! This clean pine resiness and slight crispiness is developed to absolute perfection. After all beers and especially IPA's I could get my hands on it is absolutely outstanding and I hope to get another chance to get a fresh pliny the elder one day. Greets from Germany!

[@originaltravelz]

It's really funny that at the Beer Bar where I work, I sometimes have guests (mostly people in their 20s) who order a WC IPA coming back and telling me that something is wrong with the beer😂 They are just so used to the Hazy stuff. I had the chance to taste Pliny twice, one just recently brought to me by s guest and I have to say it's an incredible beer, I would even say it's timeless. It has this amazing balance and drinkability even with the bitterness. I personally love both Hazy and WC IPA and I hope more Breweries will adapt the ratio of WC to Hazy production. Just makes for more interesting and diverse tap lists around the world. Great video guys! Cheers from Zurich, Sandro from OG TravelZ

[@robcooper4730]

In the UK and super excited to have a Pliny on the way in early August

[@aliveandwell2078]

Temecula, CA in Riverside county. This is my home town and Vinney does a good job of distributing to a couple of our "local" hang outs and Renzoni winery!!!

[@vexy1987]

Really interesting to come to craft beer after the bitter IPA craze passed, I brewed my own west coast and was initially not impressed, but by the time I reached the end of my batch, it was a new love. Hope to get my hands on one of these beers some day.

[@videosfromallan]

Love this video guys. My first IPA was in 2007 and was a Pliney. I ended up playing at that shop for free beer for about a year and I still think it was a fair trade. I really appreciate the commentary about beer drinkers growing up on Hazy beers, as it wasn't a put down against them, just showing the different perspective they may have on a classic like Pliney or Blind Pig. Cheers and keep it up!

[@zabuzamomochi2323]

Hey guys, great video! I think it's time for new hype train videos, because breweries like Fidens, Brujos, Troon and Willow Park start surpassing the original kings of haze like Treehouse and The Alchemist both in terms of hype and Untappd ratings. I would love to see you dig into their beers and assess their quality! Much love from Austria!

[@Zetsubou515]

Luckily I live near Santa Rosa. I used to hit he fourth street location regularly. I have a deep love for Blind Pig, Pliney, and Consecration. I was lucky enough to get into their inaugural barrel club thing where Vinny has hand selected Barrel Aged beers I could pick up. Man...I love RR more than any other brewery.

[@dmytryemery]

Friends 'dragged' me on a trip to Napa valley, on the last day I took a detour out to Santa Rosa to get some Pliny as I'd always wanted to try it. For like 10+ years I'd heard of it but never had a chance to try it, so was worried my expectations were too high. I was blown away. The only way I could describe it would be "It defines the style" Everything else is a lesser copy of it.

[@Tatterdash71]

I've only had Pliny (and Heady) once (each), but I still remember both very distinctly and I will remember them even when I've forgotten my mother's name.

[@Bierkergaard]

Got to Russian River in Santa Rosa last March 2022. I remember I had two beers (one Pliny) and bought two bottles of RR and it was under $20 before the tip. Had great beers at a great price. It was a Monday and I think there was some special pricing.

[@christopherevans5331]

If you're in Santa Rosa during certain times of the year RRBC releases Pliny for President(a triple dry hopped pliny) and it is absolutely amazing.

[@jondelbuono8191]

Blind Pig is my favorite IPA. Lucky enough to live in Santa Rosa

[@CaRlOsUnDeAd]

Yup, Vinnie has spoken about the tweaks hes made over the years to evolve alongside the newer modern wc ipa style. "New school" hops and the reduction of cmalts and more pils malts etc

[@richharper8159]

Finally got to drink RR beers a bit more local last year, Oakland/LA, and drinking a pint of Pliny in the April sun was a joy. It is a beer you can ‘drink and not think’, but it’s so damn well made.

[@flibo]

A friend of mine flew over from the US and surprised me with a few bottles of Pliny the Elder. It blew my mind. I'm with you in that if I had the choice, it would definitely be my go-to WC IPA.

[@felipesparks5267]

Also a kudos to whoever got it to England and it’s still tasting fresh. That’s a long way to go when those type of beers can decline quickly.

[@DHops2006]

Jonny describes beer like Kirk Herbstreit describes college football. Well done Sir.

[@MegawinkPub]

I've enjoyed Pliny many times and enjoyed it. That said, Brad's Pliney tasting hat is tops.

[@anthonyscalese5455]

Got some RR coming to me cause I had Pliny for Pres on draft and it blew me away! Way better imo then out of the can! Possibly the best IPA I've ever had! Made me crave OG Pliny & Blind Pig!

[@poisonfists]

We will absolutely be looking back in 25yrs at TreeHouse, Hill Farmstead and Alchemist and fully understanding and appreciating their importance to the industry, the style and the community. Been too long since I've had The Elder and still waiting for my Pint of Younger. Cheers all!

[@markduret9538]

Was lucky enough to get two bottles shipped to me in Minnesota, definitely worth the hype. Also, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods in a couple of days and I'm looking forward to drinking some cask beer!

[@kis1815]

Simcoe was created by Charles E. Zimmermann, developed by Select Botanicals Group, and released through Yakima Chief Ranches in 2000. It was previously named YCR 14, never a HBC hop, check your fact buddy!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Fair enough thanks for the correction

[@clintsimmons3122]

I always enjoy when you drink US beers. Cheers!

[@Vinnie13]

Yet to have a Blind Pig but did managed to snag a Pliny (and a Heady Topper!) from an almost reputable source a couple of years back. Paid premium but a treat you just can't get without travelling Stateside.

[@Stevechilds1]

Love the video, can you get them in the UK? Just booked to see your session at Cheltenham Food Festival!

[@andrewswain4464]

If you are craving Pliny, what do you drink instead? (i.e. readily available in the UK)

[@Les1Tom]

Cracking video guys, one question - where/or am I able to buy either Blind Pig or Pliny the Elder in the UK?

[@michaelknox6181]

Love Pliny! Great vid

[@iflanzy]

Every time I'm back in California, I always have to grab a few bottles of Pliny. I wish more breweries would make a maltier IIPA but at least Pliny is still perfect.

[@jasoncancel489]

A friend from the Bay Area was coming to Hong Kong and offered to bring me some beer. She brought me 4 bottles of Pliny. Shop in HK had them recently for 200 HKD a bottle, so essentially, she saved me $100 USD. Talk about liquid gold.

[@roryomoore5306]

I am sooooo jealous right now!

[@_.Ed._]

Absolutely furious with myself that I spent 2 weeks roadtripping down the west coast of the US a couple of years ago and didn't know Russian River/Pliny was a thing until after the trip. Don't get me wrong, I had some incredible beer while I was out there, but I'm always going to regret not going to RR... Ah well, it's an excuse to go back I suppose!

[@mandrews5748]

Love the video, lads. If you could somehow get some Pliny and Blind Pig over for Love & Beer 2, it would be fu**ing awesome!

[@paulc5916]

Ever tried a Knife Party from Liberty Brewing in New Zealand. Amazing WCIPA. Haven't tried Pliny, so I can not make a comparison.

[@bennolan6802]

Great video fellas, thanks. I'm now suffering from terrible Sadness Of Missing Out. Any tips on where I'd try getting hold of these in the UK?

[@kaveendravasuthevan7838]

Russian River and Alchemist are like the CristianoRonaldo and Messi of the IPA world. Two GOATS breaking the threshold of what can be achieved, and keeping it going for years in the company of other emerging greats. Great video gents!

[@jpnorair0]

When I lived in SF and would travel frequently to Europe on business, I would check luggage with a bunch of Pliny the elder to gift to partners. This worked well. I really dislike IPA in general, but Pliny (younger and elder) are truly special.

[@gillbraund8800]

Hi guys, another great video. As a recent viewer of your vids I found the one where you both tasted a Fullers vintage ale and totally agree with everything you said about it. Now I need your help please. I have 30+ bottles of Fullers vintage going back to 2003. As I'm about to move house I need to sell them on. Have you guys any idea where I can sell them, an auction house perhaps.

[@xander1052]

Pliny is one of the finest beers I've ever had.

[@FatherEarth93]

Isn't Pliny on the Hype Subway? It might not always be visible, but it will, hopefully, always be there.

[@davidhall158]

It’s not just within the EU that the term ‘champagne’ is protected. Even in the US it’s only permitted to be used by wine brands which were using it prior to 2006, and even then the term must be accompanied by the wine’s actual origin

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Aha good to know, thanks!

[@pac4life88]

I'm actually heading to Russian River for the first time in a few years next week so thank you for the hype video! You got my hop salivary glands flowing. LOL. Interested to hear your thoughts on how they traveled in a bottle versus when you had them on draft, understanding that the recipe is slightly different, as you explained.

[@iflanzy]

They travel in bottles well. I've flown with them in my suit case and driven hundreds of miles with them in a hot car and they're always still pretty much perfect when I pop one open afterwards.

[@jonathanwilliams1974]

Vinny is the GOAT. And yeah the cool thing about his beers is you're not tasting the same version of Blind Pig and Pliny that he made 30 years ago. He doesn't strive to make a consistent beer, but a consistently better one. Today we'd view the 30 year old version as cloying due to all the crystal malts in them. He phased that out over many years. Today there's none of that in his beers. Glad you guys touched on that.

[@johnsikking4891]

I’d love to see you both do a blind taste test with Pliny and other DIPAs. I suspect Pliny would still win out but it would be interesting to see.

[@darrencullen5254]

Never tried it, it's definitely on the bucket list if and when it comes over here

[@theefishlippedone]

Simcoe was popular 10 years ago, as a homebrewer I used it in barley wines and dipas, shame its disappeared

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

It hasn't disappeared! It's still one of the most commonly used and loved hops in all kinds of hop forward beers. It is just not as talked about as the hop names that help sell beer - citra, mosaic etc

[@kennyr2744]

Having a PTE right now... Cheers!

[@deanzaZZR]

RR now cans and distributes their Pilsner (STS) and Helles (Velvet Glow). They are priced at $12.99 for 6 X 12oz which is much cheaper than buying the single 500ml bottles.

[@gfbmusic]

I tried velvet glow for the 1st time today and it's one of the best helles ever.

[@bennanch]

It's a long shot but where can I get Pliny in the UK?

[@tomcottee2729]

Oh yeah and where are they? I think it’s a place in the Bermondsey beer mile right?

[@elliothines8831]

Looks like Beer Merchants Tap

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Beer Merchants Tap indeed

[@DS-TheWheatAleGuy]

Living in the southern US I’ve always wanted to try Pliny the Elder. It is very limited distribution in the US however I am happy that it is exported to y’all. Seems goofy to me I can’t get it, not even mailed. Crazy.

[@triaxe-mmb]

RR just recently expanded production by like 4x or something... previously we couldn't even get them in most of CA, but now they are showing up even in grocery stores...so maybe soon they will make it to your neck of the woods... Someone probably specifically imported the beer into England for a shop or they may even be in the US given the location in their background...that feels very American and not English but I could be wrong...I haven't spent enough time there to warrant that broad a statement, but this is the Internet so broad sweeping statements it is, 😆

[@mr.m3302]

200 years making Champagne in Sonoma County? You might want to fact check that statement. WTS, nice video on a great subject. And it's NO hype train, RRBC is the real deal!!!

[@ritchtaylor3831]

I would like to add Omnipollo's Nebuchadnezzar. My personal favorite IPA ever. Sadly, I can't get it as my local import any Omnipollo's anymore. :(

[@robertshaughnessy1866]

Pliny has been on my wish list for a while. Going on a trip to Philadelphia in June, and as there is apparently a distributor there, I'll be very disappointed if I don't get to finally try it. Will hopefully be able to try Blind Pig too.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Go to Monk's Cafe. They will have it, as well as an INSANE Belgian list.

[@NinjaMonkeyPrime]

It's really frustrating that a very successful brewery can't get national distribution.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

To be honest I think they don't want it - they'd have to grow too much to fulfill the demand!

[@RyanMichero]

Ah, in many ways I am spoiled living in northern California. I can pick up a Pliny at my local supermarket. It's too bad that I decided only once I left London after 2 years that my true beer love is cask ale. 😢

[@Jaap-Relou]

It just hit me, Brad has the Matthew McConaughey Wowww 🤣🤣🤟🏼

[@johnmcbryde715]

I'm a Scot, my wife is Lithuanian, best mate is from Santa Rosa, when we visit from Scotland RR is our go to place. Beer is amazing, Pliny, Blind pig also others like Damnation, pure quality. Pizza also fantastic.

[@Adrian.Kirk.]

The fact that my viewing was interrupted by an automated advert for Corrs Lite somewhat broke the mood, but I can't comment as I've never seen it in the UK, let alone had it.

[@peteslater8046]

I don’t think the USA not being in the EU has anything to do with naming a sparkling wine Champagne. It was more to do with the treaty of Versailles not being ratified in the American senate, but I think a trade deal was signed between the USA and the EU fairly recently led to an agreement that new American wines won’t use the term champagne.

[@pvacaesar2942]

Love blind pig! Have you guys ever tried anything from moonlight brewery? Especially death & taxes? Best bay area brewery imo.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Sadly not, we'll have to track some down

[@BiscuitGeoff]

The dead Roman's name is pronounced Pli-nee (to rhyme with 'mini') not ply-nee (rhymes with tiny?). As someone who learnt the name at university twenty-five years ago and has been reading it that way ever since, this seems a bit jarring. Is there a reason for the pronunciation?

[@markhamstra1083]

Good luck getting these boys to correctly pronounce Pliny’s name when the RR guys also mispronounce it. Me, I’m still hoping that one day Jonny (and other Brits) will learn how to pronounce “Chinook”.

[@martinlenk6117]

is there any way at all to get a hold of these beers in europe/germany?

[@thefriendlymountain5424]

I would GLADLY drive the hour North to meet up with you two, buy a round, and share a toast together.

[@jossdutton]

One day I will get the opportunity to try these beers!😅 Issue is when it comes into to the UK, it's like £20 a bottle cause it's high demand and short supply

[@G60Guy]

How did you source these beers on the other side of the pond? How do they compare when you were actually there?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

They were not quite as vibrant but still in very good condition! And we... have our ways.

[@beaudwayful]

Shout out the OG Stone IPA and Sierra Nevada Torpedo!

[@justina.6769]

Brad needs to bring back the hat! 😂

[@andreassvensson228]

Is it really flawless though? I'd love you to have tried it blind next to other west coasts. I don't think we benefit at all by lifting some beers to a pedestal just for their namesake, I would like to make many ties to this beer and Westvleteren 12 - also with the non hype for St Bernardus 12 & Rochefort 10.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I don't use that word often or lightly, but from a technical perspective those beers were, and the point of this series is to try to look past the hype - and we have criticised beers in many of them. A blind taste test would be a great idea though, I suspect it wouldn't do as well in a small pour format against bigger flavoured beer

[@patavinity1262]

I don't know how the people who produce the beer say it, but the name of the classical author (in English) is definitely pronounced 'plinnie'.

[@triaxe-mmb]

I believe the beer is pronounced "plynnie" at least that's how I hear it here in California... But yes, it is not accurate to the original source

[@johnmatthys7044]

I just wish it was sold in Texas!

[@harrywood702]

Is this for sale in the uk?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Sadly not

[@adamlowe9214]

Funnily, the reason the US can call their sparkling wine champagne is actually because they never ratified the treaty of Versailles. That's where that protected term comes from and the US and Russia never signed it! Also, that treaty set the standard orchestra tuning to A=440hz. They jammed a ton of stuff in there.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Interesting! Will have to educate ourselves.

[@adamlowe9214]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel it's an incredibly obscure fact that I only know courtesy of the QI elves but figured it was quite interesting and should share!

[@markhamstra1083]

Not sure about champagne, but you are definitely wrong about A=440Hz. Not only do orchestras frequently tune to something other than 440Hz without needing to worry about being arrested by the International Music Police, but the Treaty of Versailles does not establish 440Hz as the standard. It does mention adopting a tuning specified in an earlier document from 1885, but that document, Triattati e Convenzioni tra il Regno D’Italia e Gli Altri Stati, calls for 435Hz to be the standard concert pitch, not 440Hz.

[@marcovargas649]

How about Pliny the Younger??

[@ColinLeuze]

Hill Farmstead makes a panoply of superb ale. But Hill doesn't want to be bigger. So I think it's legend will remain the same, which is about the brewery, rather than a specific ale.

[@owenjohansson5152]

New hype train!!!!!🚨🚨🚨🚨

[@stevebody8128]

It never was "the world's best IPA". It was and remains the world's most hyped IPA.

[@tubelious]

I'd say it is the golden standard for WC IPAs, not a 5/5 beer for me, but a good one.

[@richardbaggaley5116]

Can you get it anywhere in the Uk?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Sadly not - you'll need a californian friend!

[@JimbobH]

West coast is the best coast, still not had the chance to try Pliny

[@JimFosterVO]

Distillers age. Brewers are always young and fresh.

[@dcross375]

Riverside County!

[@MarkWarbrook]

so hard to get hold of, how are the masses ever going to taste it other than going there!

[@eleebid1]

Pliny the Younger!