Pliny the Younger sightings, 2011
First tapping I'm aware of (aside from the brewpub in Santa Rosa) will be this afternoon at the HopYard in Pleasanton.
Barclays is planning to tap a keg Friday at 6pm.
The brewpub is handling it very differently after last year's debacle. One keg will be tapped each day, it'll only be on until it's out but it will be available each day until the 18th. No growlers. A bottle has already shown up on Ebay (they don't bottle it) and they have caught people filling canteens to get around the no-growler policy.
While this is now officially the most ridiculously obsessed-over beer on the planet, I do look forward to my first glass.
Cheers!
By Pius Avocado III
on Feb 10, 2011 11:02 AM
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Didn't know that anyone was tapping it this week. I heard BobbyGs will be tapping its key on Feb 18th at 3pm, same day as Toronado.
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TO CONFIRM - I will be (personally) tapping and pouring the first (of 2) kegs of PTY at 6 PM Tonight at Barclay's! Yum!
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And it was great!! When is the second keg to be tapped?
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I heard BobbyFs will be tapping it with a little bit of chipotle
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I hear it will also be at the Double IPA Fest in Hayward this Saturday. And have hopes that it'll be at the Russian River event at Pi Bar on Monday - Feb 14.
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My friends in Santa Rosa have been guzzling their fair share of PtY at the source. I asked them for a status report tonight. They said the tap ran out around 7pm tonight. As far as the lines at Russian River Brewing Co, there was no line between 5-5:30, then a 20-minute wait by 5:45p tonight. Tonight (thursday) was much busier than Tuesday or Wednesday, and Friday and Saturday were "insane". They suggested that Tuesday would be a good day to try.
Biteclub's photos of the crowd on release day
http://www.biteclubeats.com/2011/02/pliny-the-younger-released.html
For those looking for something to eat at RRBC, let me warn you away from the spinach focaccia. Or as my friend dubbed it, the not-caccia. This was a thin pizza crust, sans sauce, topped with thick layer of spinach leaves, slimy onions and raw mushrooms, then underbaked and sprinkled with grated cheese. My feeling is that an 8 year-old with an Easy-Bake oven could top this effort.
http://plixi.com/photos/home/71576595
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Russian River Brewing Co.
725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
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is there anything worth eating at RRBC? Haven't actually eaten the food, but have heard lousy reports from mfriends, and it seems like most of the menu is pizza-based (pizza dough balls, fried pizza, etc.)
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The thing that puzzles me about the food at RRBC is that it is singularly unsuited to the main draw- the fantastic selection of Belgian-style beers. Pizza (which is decent by brewpub standards) and buffalo wings may go well with hoppy IPAs, but don't play well at all with Belgian sours. Why for the love of God do they not at least buy a fryer and do Belgian-style frites??? As is, my default mode is to drink there and eat elsewhere.
Thanks for the tip on the focaccia Melanie- last time I was there I thought that part of the menu might prove a remedy to this situatiuon, but I held off because I have literally never seen one come out of the kitchen- now I know what we're dealing with.
Back to the Younger- I hear the keg at the HopYard blew at 6:30 yesterday...
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We were thinking along the same line in ordering the not-caccia. To have a second beer, we needed to eat something. RRBC is already so popular, I guess it doesn't really care about the food or want people to linger longer.
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I understand if they don't want to go full-on with a typical brewpub menu, but the food at a more simple place like Lagunitas Tap Room is far better and way easier to execute
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Yes, there are any number of brewpubs in Sonoma County that produce better food. It's a point of pride and a pleasant surprise for visitors from outside the area.
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I'm a fan of their wings with "savage" sauce. Maybe the best ultra hot wings I've had in the Bay Area. Tried Younger for the first time the other day at RRBC and loved it, though I can't say their savage sauce goes well with it (which I know is not the point.)
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I have to agree that I can't recommend anything to eat at RRBC. Sad, really. But the beer is so good!
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It may be the beer and sunshine talking, but I was there yesterday and had some wings and a spinach salad. Nothing to write home about, but both were decently done and offered some decent cushioning for our PtY, which was something to write home about. Delicious.
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One friend's at Toronado right now drinking it. Surprise keg tapped at 11:30am today.
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Toronado Pub
547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
Barclay's Restaurant & Pub
5940 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
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Barclays' 2nd keg will be tapped tomorrow for Chef Bruce Paton's Beer Brunch.
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10 AM.
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It'll be tapped at Rosamunde Sausage Grill in the Mission today (2/12/11) at 6pm.
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Rosamunde Sausage Grill
2832 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
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Friends reported that Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental tapped a keg over the weekend, but all gone, and no more coming in.
Grubstreet says Mini Bar in San Francisco will tap PtY on Wednesday at 5pm.
http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/20...
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Mini Bar Sf
837 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA
Barley and Hops Tavern
3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465
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La Trappe Cafe announced that Pliny is on today. It opens at 6pm.
http://twitter.com/latrappe/status/37...
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La Trappe
800 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA 94133
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According to these sources, The Rose & Crown in Palo Alto is tapping PtY tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11:30AM. Last year's keg lasted 12 minutes.
http://www.penipress.com/2011/02/09/sf-beer-week-comes-to-the-peninsula/
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
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Just got the word from this morning's tap at The Rose & Crown --- gone in 9 minutes!
Edited to add: My Type A friends got in line at 10:45am and just made the cut.
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Bobby G's Pizzeria
2074 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
The Rose & Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA
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Hah, yeah, we got in line at around 10:50am and missed it by maybe six people. The Firestone Walker Abacus barleywine they tapped afterwards was excellent, though.
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Glad you have your sense of humor about this. I'm away from all the action but getting text messages and emails from friends and beer lovers, so I'll keep posting whatever I hear. Glad the barleywine was a worthy morning stand-in.
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A phone call to HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma uncovered the news that it has a keg and is in the process of deciding when to tap it. Probably in the next couple days --- they advised checking back.
The Sebastopol Hopmonk Tavern says it will have PtY as well, but not sure when.
East Bay/Tri-Valley sites that have already depleted their supplies: Dublin Sports Pub & Grill, First Street Ale House in Livermore, and Pete's Brass Rail & Car Wash in Danville.
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Hopmonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
First Street Ale House
2086 1st St, Livermore, CA 94550
Pete's Brass Rail & Car Wash
201 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA 94526
HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
Dublin Sports Pub & Grill
7294 San Ramon Rd, Dublin, CA 94568
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Current word from the HopMonk Taverns is that they'll be serving Pliny the Younger next week.
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HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
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HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma says they're waiting for the weather to clear up. They want to throw a PtY party outdoors.
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HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
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Lafayette Park Hotel just announced that it will serve PtY at 5pm today (Wednesday).
https://www.facebook.com/LafayettePar...
Cato's Ale House in Oakland is tapped out. The Trappist didn't get any this year.
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The Trappist
460 8th Street, Oakland, CA
Pi Bar
1432 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Lafayette Park Hotel
3287 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
Cato's Ale House
3891 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
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I was kind of hoping word would not get out about the Lafayette Park Hotel - I don't want to fight the crowds! - oh well as long as I get a taste
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Lafayette Park Hotel
3287 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
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Good luck and let us know how it goes. Several sites today, so maybe not so crowded.
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At 5 o'clock they started pouring - only three people drinking Younger - a few others came in specifically, and a few people who simply happened to be around were pursuaded to try it. There was a sign that said 'limit one glass per customer' that thankfully was not adhered to. I left close to 7 and I would guesstimate that maybe 30 glass had been poured in that 2 hour spell.
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Sounds like Lafayette Park Hotel might be a good spot to check out for next year's release. Glad to hear you got your share.
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Lafayette Park Hotel
3287 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
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Yes, Cato's keg blew about 9pm last night- keep in mind that a lot of these are small kegs- and that was their full allotment.
In addition to the Trappist, who I am certain are glad they didn't get any (in fact Chuck was threatening to sell it for $1 just to get through the hullabaloo), Pacific Coast Brewing didn't get any either.
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Any of the usual suspects that haven't been covered?
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Hop Yard Ale House
470 Market Pl, San Ramon, CA 94583
Hop Yard
3015 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
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I find it interesting that two places who specifically held back kegs last year until a while after the release (Trappist tapped a Keg late March last year, Pacific Coast was well into the summer before they tapped it) didn't end up on the distribution this year. It seems Vinnie keeps his eyes open and as he wants this enjoyed fresh it would seem he had a say in who didn't get an alloctaion this year?
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Yes, those who sat on their kegs for months last year are being punished- the reps are explicit about the brewery's intent that PtY be served shortly after receipt.
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This whole hubbub is ridiculous. It's just a hoppier version of Pliny the Elder, which is definitely a good beer, but nowhere near Dogfish Head or Stone or Lagunitas. I still can't figure out how it finished #1 in the Best Beers in America poll.
Was glad that I found out at the last minute on Saturday that Rosamunde had some, and I waited a few minutes in line and had some and enjoyed it, but I feel bad for the lemmings who are going to the world's end and waiting hours in line expecting to drink the nectar of the gods.
(there, i said it. let the barrage begin).
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Both PtE and PtY are both great beers, so you can't go wrong with either one. I did a side by side comparison at the brewery this year. I enjoyed PtY more because it had more of everything I love in an Imperial IPA: fantasitic hop flavor, a healthy malt backbone, and a more body than any other IPA I have tasted. I've tried all the IPA's listed above and in my opinion, PtY is the best.
My best suggestion for anyone interested in trying PtY is to make the trek out to Russian River Brewing Co. I know it's a long drive , but the visit is well worth it. Aside from PtY and PtE, they produce some of the best beer you are likely to find in northern CA.
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Russian River Brewing Co.
725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
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The Page Bar in San Francisco is tapping PtY at 5pm tonight (Wednesday), per twitter post, and I've confirmed time by phone.
http://twitter.com/thepagebar/status/38015821380976640
http://www.thepagebar.com/
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The Page Bar
298 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
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Lucky 13 in Alameda has PtY on tap right now. (confirmed by phone)
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
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Lucky 13
1301 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
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EDK also known as El Dorado Kitchen will tap PtY tomorrow (Thursday) at 7 PM, confirmed with the hostess by phone today. (Thanks to the folks at HopMonk in Sonoma for the lead.)
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El Dorado Kitchen & Hotel
405 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476
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Is it true GROWLERS of PtY were being sold in PARKSLOPE for >$100?
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Will be tapped at 6pm tomorrow night at the Toronado.
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Pacific Coast Brewing wound up getting a keg after all, to be tapped tomorrow @ 6pm.
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Pacific Coast Brewing Co
906 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
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PCB tweeted that it lasted 35 minutes.
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Per an email blast from RRBC, the brewpub ran out yesterday around 4pm (I was off by a day on my daycount above). Orders for Seattle and Portland go out next week.
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The Englander Sports Pub in San Leandro has Pliny the Younger on tap right now. (confirmed by phone)
http://www.englanderpub.com/
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Englander Sports Pub
101 Parrott St, San Leandro, CA 94577
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Pliny was on their menu this afternoon.
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I thought Beer Revolution were hinting that there's was going to go on today, but it appears that they are planning on next week sometime - there surprise for this afternoon is something else apparently.
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Beer Revolution
464 3rd St, Oakland, CA 94607
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I'm not a beer person in the winter, but I would like to taste this. Does anyone know the availability for the next day or so? Thanks.
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I'm a hophead from Seattle and we have been hearing about this beer forever but it never makes it to the NW. Now looks like I am going to miss it by a few days, I get in Wed! SAVE SOME FOR ME!
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Hate to break it to ya nwhophead but the Seattle/Portland allotment ships this week. Accounts that steadily have RR handles on are your best bets in your area for next year. The Collins Pub perhaps?
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"An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."
* Book II, letter 15 - Pliny the Younger
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Best post ever.
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Good but I like this one better.
Spock: After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.
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Pliny the Younger is up right NOW at The Bistro in Hayward. (confirmed by phone 30 seconds ago).
Any places in the South Bay? San Jose, Cupertino, Campbell?
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City Beer Store
1168 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Bistro
1001 B St, Hayward, CA 94541
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Thanks for posting! I was able to get it at The Bistro last night with minimal effort. The vast majority of patrons were regulars there for open-mike night - i only saw one or two other patrons drinking PtY, although the bartender said it had been selling steadily all day.
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Did you like it?
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I liked it, but I actually like the Elder more - the Younger was so hoppy it made me sneeze, and after about half a glass I couldn't smell anymore, so I lost all of the interesting aromatics.
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I've been away from PtY fever central during this time and have never tasted the stuff. Interesting that you could enjoy yours without a mob scene. I read that The Page Bar, which was new this year, still had PtY available on the day it tapped when it closed at 2AM.
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Obscure East Bay bars are definitely the way to go. I'd never heard of The Bistro before and really liked the super-unpretentious divey vibe (and the excellent beer menu).
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I finally had a taste, Friday at Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol. Too hoppy for me too, but I'm particularly sensitive to bitter.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/768844
The manager said that Sonoma HopMonk Tavern has a keg to be tapped.
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Hopmonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
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Is there any chance the Younger will be anywhere around San Francisco before the end of Feb? I missed it during beer week :(
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Monk's Kettle had it earlier today. Gone now.
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The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
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Yes, lukasm, kegs are still going on- the HopYard in pleasanton blew through another Tuesday night, and the Trappist website says they have it in the cooler as of Feb. 20.
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Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol is releasing Pliny the Younger at 3pm on Friday.
http://twitter.com/hopmonkseb/status/...
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Hopmonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472
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Melanie, you seem to always know their whereabouts. Is it just as simple as calling them up to find out where they will be releasing? Or, is there someone we need to follow on twitter to know?I'm hoping they will be releasing somewhere in the peninsula or south bay...
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Russian River Brewing Co's blog says it doesn't know who has it. The allocation was in the hands of its distributors. PtY was sent to
San Francisco
East Bay
North Bay
Southern California
Seattle, WA
Portland, OR
Colorado
Philadelphia, PA
Palo Alto's Rose and Crown was only Peninsula location I've heard mentioned anywhere a d the one local exception to that distribution list. Presumably PtY goes to RRBC's best customers, so you might try calling those places near you who sell a lot of Russian River to see if they might have rec'd any.
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Russian River Brewing Co.
725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
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Still some Pliny the Younger in the keg at Toronado Pub if you head over there NOW.
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Toronado Pub
547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
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Trappist is still in s holding pattern. On the phone they said there would be special announcement before it's tapped.
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The Trappist
460 8th Street, Oakland, CA
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Tomorrow at 3pm at HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma:
"The day has come to tap Pliny the Younger @hopmonkson (Sonoma) Tuesday @ 3 pm - $10 gets you a slider and Pliny - See you then!! "
http://twitter.com/hopmonkson/status/...
So that this thread can be a resource for where to find next year's release, any places that served Pliny the Younger that haven't been mentioned yet?
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HopMonk Tavern
691 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
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Any chance of a keg being held out until the end of this month?
My GF will be in town and she is a hop fiend. If somewhere convenient just happens to tap PtY while she's here, we just might have to drop by for a taste
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The Trappist still has its keg.
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Seek out Bear Republic Cafe Racer 15. I had it at Cato's last week and it made me a daily Cato's denizen for a few days... well-balanced, not at all hot double IPA with layers of hop flavors rather than one punch straight to the kisser.
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Hmmm, interesting. We are trying to figure out if we can work out a visit to Bear Republic into the itinerary, as we'll be in Healdsburg one night to check out Barndiva. I guess timing will be everything, since we don't want to indulge too much before dinner
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Hey Pius, I never found PLY in my brief visit to SF but have since had it in Seattle. Really good but not life changing and not worth the quest. Loved Racer X so will seek out that 15 locally. Have you had the Firestone Double Jack? We Have a ton of great local brews here that probably don't make it south so post here if you make it up this way and I will direct you to some awesome brews.
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Hey there- Racer X is a favorite of mine as well, as is the Double Jack. I get up to the Seattle area once or twice a year, usually ensconcing myself at the Collins Pub in Seattle and the Red Hot when in Tacoma- I look forward to your recommendations.
I agree with you on PtY, BtW- with the escalating feeding frenzy over the past 2 years (check out the graph of searches on Google Trends, it is remarkable) I carefully pick my spot to get my annual pint in peace. It's good, but not worth standing in line for.
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I'm not big on crowds and expensive brews so Brouwers & Taproom are out, even though Brouwers, has an amazing beer selection. My Seattle favorites are:
Uber Tavern: http://www.uberbier.com/
Coopers Alehouse: http://www.coopersalehouse.com/
Best Breweries:
Elliott Bay, Big Time, and Black Raven. If you are up for a drive to near Canada, Boundary Bay is great.
Apr.9th is our Cask Fest, the best opportunity to get all these brewers in one place making special beers for the event that many are AS good or better than PTY.
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Toronado Pub is tapping again today (Wednesday): "More Pliny the Younger coming your way, don't know if it will be 11:30am or 6:00pm today... Stay tuned! #PtY"
http://twitter.com/toronado/status/45527523039260672
Edited to add: Google Trends for Pliny the Younger
http://www.google.com/trends?q=pliny+...
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Toronado Pub
547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
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Stopped by my favorite watering hole this evening (the Trappist on 8th st in Oakland, and besides an embarrasment of riches in one-off kegs
(three different Cantillon lambics! a 3-yr old Boon lambic! 3 Nogne beers!), they still had the remainder of their PtY keg on tap (undersold their allocation, apparently), on a stealth tap (it's not listed on their daily tap list). Even though I'd tasted it a week ago (and didn't understand what the big deal was), figured I had to order up a full glass to give it a fair shot. Certainly a BIG IPA in every sense, and well- balanced despite its outsize alcohol level. The hops provide a very citrusy overlay, rather than hammer you over the head with bitterness. Still don't understand the hype, but a good beer overall. Get it while you can!
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