Pliny the Younger 2025

 Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa, CA has been doing an annual release of Pliny the Younger, a 10.25% Triple IPA for the past 20 years, this would be their 21st!! It's based off their flagship beer: Pliny the Elder, an 8% Double IPA. The release only lasts 2 weeks, March 21st - April 3rd, then it's gone until the following year. I've been wanting to check it out ever since visiting the brewery many years ago. This year I finally remembered it was going on BEFORE it happened, so I scheduled a vacation day and booked a stand-by flight.

The funny this here is, I really don't care for IPAs. However, Pliny the Elder is one of the few I do like as it goes down smooth and doesn't hit you with a second hop blast. How would the Younger compare? Hopefully, I would find out.

Some back story here. The brewery is so popular due to Elder, that it is often at capacity. Wait times just to get inside can be long on a normal day, like over an hour as I experienced before. The Younger release attracts beer enthusiasts from all over and lines can often be over 2 hours. The brewery has the process dialed in: You get your hand stamped while in line, put your name and number of your party on the list (like when checking in at a restaurant), all this to prevent line cutting. Then you get a wrist band with 3 pull tabs as you are only allowed 3 drafts of Younger. Each party is allowed to be inside the brewery a maximum of 2 1/2 hours - helps to keep the line moving. Then each person is allowed to purchase 3 bottles of Younger. The brewery also has daily limits on the number of bottles sold. I've been there before to purchase bottles of Elder and they ran out, I came home empty handed. I really hoped that wouldn't be the case today.

How did my day unfold? I would be flying in/out of Sacramento even though American Airlines flies non-stop to Santa Rosa, STS. However, for a day trip, this doesn't work as there is only one inbound/outbound flight a day and they don't allow any time to leave the airport. San Francisco is a bit more of a hassle to drive from, so Sacramento it was. The flight schedule was this: Leave Phoenix at 7:15a, arrive around 9a. Then the return flight left Sacramento at 7:30p. My hope was to be in line at the brewery by noon, then back on the road no later than 4p. Would 4 hours be enough time?

First things first, get on the outbound flight. Done. There were only 21 people on the regional jet, so I had a row to myself. Nice. 

Flew over Lake Tahoe!!

Creative way to dress up a column in the baggage claim area.

Rental car secured. I was traveling with two medium suitcases, both had two sweatshirts and about a dozen thick ski socks inside, plus a rain jacket as the forecast was calling for rain at some point. The drive to Santa Rosa only took 1h 45m. I landed a parking spot directly across from the front door and max'd out the parking meter at 3 hours. I was in line at 11:45a. Sweet!!

Made it!! Look at that line.

STS Pils stamp.

My hand was stamped an name put on the clip board, first available please. We were told we were about at the 1h 45m - 2h waiting spot on the sidewalk. The brewery opened at 11a, so the first wave of people were all still inside. I'm guessing not many people just go in, buy their 3 bottles and leave. They have really good food too, so most people stay a while. That meant for the first hour or so, we didn't really move up a whole bunch.

The brewery had setup a couple of port-o-potties on a side alley, if needed. People would check in, then leave line to go get food from a nearby restaurant. It was a generally cool vibe from everyone right from the get-go.

I light mist began to fall and it was borderline chilly. I really hoped I wouldn't get seated outside, but I also wasn't going to be picky about it.

The intentionally had roped off gaps in line for the next door businesses. Gotta be a good neighbor.

It took over an hour to actually reach the premises. We joked that we now felt like we were in the actual line to get in.

The people around me were super cool, as most seemed to be. We were all here for the same reason. One couple up ahead had been to 7 releases over the years. I guess that should tell you that it may be worth it. The group ahead of me, husband/wife/son, were on vacation and just happened to see this was going on, so they planned a day during their travels to try the goods. The funny thing was, their son was turning 21...the following day!! Gah!! He didn't seem too upset about it, but the dad sure got a kick out of it. Haha.

I was now steadily moving up as the crowd inside began to spread out with the timing. We would all lightly cheer when we'd see a group leave with their black tote bags of beer. 'We're about to move up!!' About 1:30p I was next in line, then called in.

Pretty obvious why everyone is here.

She's probably been getting her photo randomly taken a thousand times!! Haha.

I was seated at the bar, along with most others who were there by themselves. The guy to my right was the taller guy a few people ahead of me in line in one of the photos above. He was from San Francisco, as were a bunch of people I met, and had come last year. He couldn't tell me how it compared to last year, the brewery slightly tweaks the batch each year, except that it was really good!! He said he was just really getting into the beer scene. What a way to start.

Almost as soon as I was seated I was asked if I was ready for my first Younger. Of course!! Beer delivered and the first pull tab removed.

Quick photo, then a taste. Better than I thought it would be. Super smooth and a wonderful flavor profile filled with citrus notes. It did not drink like a 10.25% beer.

I put in a food order and enjoyed my beer. It went down quick, so I figured I'd be there long enough to have another one. I sent that picture to a few of my friends who I knew would appreciate it.

Everything on the board available in draft. Left board is the California styles, mostly IPAs, right side are the Belgian inspired brews and sours.

You can get a flight of either board or go full - 18 samples!! I wanted to try a few of the Belgians while I was there, but didn't want that many since I had to drive back to Sacramento. I found out you can simply choose ala carte. Perfect.

Taking in the scene. Place was obviously busy, but not chaotic.

One bank of taps. Solid lineup, including the special release of the Double Dry Hopped Pliny the Elder. It coincides with the Younger release.

My Belgian flight, sour on the bottom and an already empty DDH Pliny the Elder on top.

The lady sitting next to me was so impressed with the flight board, she wanted to take a photo. She too was from San Francisco and tried to get some of her friends to join her for the trip. She said they didn't want to stand in line that long, so she came solo and was happy she did. At one point she accidentally knocked her Younger over. Gah!! The bartender heard what happened and without hesitation, topped her off. Maybe there's a trick in that... :)

The guy I had been sitting next to left, the seat wasn't vacant for long. The next fella, come to find out, was a semi-recent ASU graduate in robotics.

I was nearing the end of my time as it was now around 3:30. I knew I wanted to take a bunch of beer home and they make it convenient as you can order all your take-out stuff from your seat. I hoped I could carry it all!! Of course I grabbed my three bottles of Younger, then a case (12 pack) of Elder, a couple of the DDH Elders, sour and another Belgian. Add in some release souvenirs and it was a rather expensive bar tab. Haha. Good thing we received a bonus at work a couple weeks ago.

Bottle in hand. Can't wait to share these with some friends.

The line looks about the same as when I arrived, although the guy who sat next to me around 3p said he 'only' waited about an hour to get in.

It was 3:45p when I began packing all the beers, one per sock, in my luggage, then layer the socks and surround with the sweatshirts. This method has worked to perfection for years. I was on the road at 4:05p. I had to stop to top off gas, drop off the car and get these bags checked in for the 7:30p departure and get my seat assignment. Then I could relax a bit.

I arrived at the check-in kiosk at 6:30p after hitting a bit of rush hour traffic on the return, which took about 30 minutes longer than the drive to Santa Rosa. As I was getting into the process, a gate agent asked where I was flying to. Phoenix, I said. She replied to her co-worker 'Didn't we reach our time cutoff for checked bags?' What?!? I was a bit stunned, I thought I easily made the cutoff, but apparently I had less than 5 minutes!! They both told me to skip the kiosk and come right to the desk. They checked the bags manually and all was well. Sheesh, that was close!! I'm kinda glad I didn't know how close I was, as that would've been nerve wracking.

Beautiful sunset as we get airborne out of Sacramento.

Beer fridge has never looked better. Fine looking top shelf, plus one on the far right of the middle shelf and I still have a Heady Topper.

What a fun day!! So glad it all worked out and now I'm planning to take a couple of co-workers to the release next year with plans to spend the night there.

For the record, our beer stash at home lasts a long time as we only have a couple per week. It's all about quality over quantity these days.

Cheers!!

CA: Ranchita Rambler '24

 The Ranchita Rambler was now in its third year. I had ridden it during the inaugural running and had a blast. Figured I was do for a repeat and to kick start my riding season. My friend, Emily, hosts the event and it's typically the weekend the US turns clocks back - which throws us Arizonans for a loop. The total route is just under 60 miles, with over 40 of those coming on the first day. It's self-paced, self-navigated, but we all re-group at camp. For this ride that means the Anza-Borrego State Park.

As mentioned in my previous post, I had stopped in Yuma for a quick spin on the Sugarloaf Mtn. trails before meeting Emily in Borrego Springs for pizza. We had planned to camp at the group site that night, then leave her van there with goodies for when the others arrived the next night. She had some friends coming out to help too. They'd load up on snacks, ice and plenty of beverages.

The next morning we made the short drive up the hill to Ranchita where a bunch of riders were already getting their bikes loaded. As start time neared, Emily grabbed everyone's photo by the famed Yeti of Ranchita and made some final words about what was to come. We had a nice sized group around 20 riders for the fast paved rollout.

Almost go time.

As soon as we reached dirt, it almost felt like civilization was left behind sans a few ranch properties. The group began to spread out over a series of three climbs. I rode ahead to grab some photos.

Chris leading the charge.

Jason & Julian, who I met on the past Queen's Ransom.

That's a good framebag for hunting season.

Re-grouping as we closed the the first loop of the route and made our way towards the big desert descent.

Bombs away!!

Of course there was this one punchy climb tossed in.

A few more riders grinding their way up.

Now we go down for good.

Alyssa keeping her distance from the Cholla. Good call.

It was a very fast descent, sandy, but not bad with the right tires. My 2.6" Teravail Honchos were up to the task, railing the soft corners. This is NOT a gravel route, leave your skinny tires at home.

The surface became a bit more hardpacked in this area.

I picked up a thorn in my front tire, needed to top off sealant as more riders came through.

A quick re-group to discuss our options here.

The route gpx had us going up to the busy, paved Hwy78. We had an option to stay off the route and make our way down a wide wash area that would eventually funnel us back to the route without fear of getting run over. It seemed a bunch of us opted for the wash.

Emily and Scooter!!

This is why wider tires are a must for this route.

Riding through the wash was fun, pick a line and go!!

We rejoined the route here, on Old Borrego Valley Rd in Cactus Valley.

The dirt road dumped us out on pavement where we'd turn left, straight into a 30+mph headwind. Oof. Nothing like putting out max effort to ride 5mph on flat pavement. I tried to keep a steady pace and not work too hard. Burritos weren't too far away now.

Nearing town the wind persisted.

Emily added a detour this year, taking us by a few of the Galleta Meadows sculptures. These things are so impressive and scattered all throughout the Borrego Valley.

This was the coolest of the horse sculptures.

Bald Eagle taking flight. You could make a nice day ride trying to see all the sculptures.

Thankfully, the route made a 90º turn north and the headwind became a crosswind. Mild relief.

When I rolled up to Los Jilberto's Taco Shop, it had already been taken over by our group. Having this stop near mile 40 meant I hardly had to carry any food, only some snacks. I didn't need much water either. Logistically, this is an easy ride to plan for. Most of us grabbed something to eat and something to go. It was mid-afternoon and camp was only a few miles away.

Entering our home for the night.

Our group site was nestled up near San Ysidro Mtn. by the mouth of the Middle Fork Borrego Palm Canyon. Our proximity to the mountains helped to cut down on the wind. 

Our group getting settled in the fading light.

0% chance of rain in the desert = cowboy camping for me.

Emily bought some wood to keep the campfire going for hours.

I had a second really good night of sleep here, felt rested as daylight crept over the mountains. I wanted to get an early start, mostly because I had a long drive home and would be now losing an hour with the daylight savings time change. But I also knew I'd be slow on the climb. I was hoping my legs would cooperate this time around and not cramp like last time. Today's ride was only 15 miles or so, but we'd gain over 3,000'. It's not a steep climb, just a steady grind with about 2/3 of it on pavement.

Not a bad view to wake up to.

The mountain were ablaze at sunrise.

Making my way out of town. I still had half of a burrito, so no need to go back into town.

Up, up, up. It doesn't take long for the vista to spread out.

Down below was the headwind area from the previous day.

The highway snaking up the canyons and contours. These mountainous roads are such an engineering marvel.

Roadside mini-pumpkins??

Kimmi & Jesse caught me as we made our way up Culp Valley Road., the final 1/3 of the climb. I had met Kimmi almost 10 years ago on a ride in Sedona, small world.

More sandy hardpack riding.

My legs were playing nice and the sand wasn't bad at all.

We'd get an occasional view back to the desert.

Topping out near 4200', the end is almost in sight.

A fast cruise on pavement to wrap things up.

It's always nice to be greeted at the finish.

Once again this ride delivered. Fun route and great people to hang out with. I may have convinced a few of them to head over for the Queen's Ransom this coming spring. We'll see. This ride gets capped at 30 riders, so if you want to be a part of it next year, follow @ranchitarambler on Instagram. Registration is announced there and done via a mailed postcard. 

Full photo album here:

Route: