Pliny the Elder

◎ Appearance

Pliny the Elder displays a brilliant golden-amber hue with excellent clarity and a pale, persistent white head that clings to the glass. The carbonation is crisp and lively, creating fine streams of bubbles that maintain the foam throughout the drinking experience.

◌ Aroma

The nose is intensely aromatic with a beautiful balance of fresh citrus and pine dominating the profile. Floral notes from the Amarillo and Simcoe hops intermingle with grapefruit zest and subtle resinous undertones, creating an inviting and complex bouquet that showcases why this beer is considered a masterclass in hop expression.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with bold, assertive hop character balanced by clean malt sweetness that prevents the beer from becoming one-dimensional. Mid-palate reveals layers of bitter pine, spicy hop qualities, and citrus complexity, while the 8% ABV provides subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate hop balance that defines this iconic Double IPA.

◑ Finish

The finish is notably dry and clean, with lingering resinous bitterness and grapefruit notes that encourage another sip. The aftertaste remains crisp and refreshing, a testament to Vinnie Cilurzo's masterful formulation and the emphasis on freshness.