Pliny The Elder - Russian River Brewing Co.

It seems only fitting for me, a self-admitted hophead to make the inaugural post of my beer review of my most favorite beer in my most favorite style. On with the show!

Appearance - bottled on 4/7/09 per date on the bottle...poured an amber orange...one inch lacy head from a typical beer 45-degree pour.

Smell - I eat a grapefruit every day, and nothing reminds me more than grapefruit with a hint of pine than the nose off this brew. Slightest hint of floral. I have never smelled a better beer than this one.

Taste - If I'm being strict in taste sensitivity, no sweet, salty reception. Vague notice of salty and of course, w/ any hoppy beer, intense bitters that overpower other receptors. On a second observation/taste, there is a strong metallic taste which adds incredible complexity to the flavor when taken in which the smell, that adds to the enjoyment. Images of flowers opening are what comes to mind when tasting this fantastic brew.

Mouthfeel: Biting sharpness you'd expect from any hoppy beer, w/ a smooth oil from the hops that coats the tongue.

Drinkabillity: Oh yeah, this is my second one. I could drink these all night.

Recap: This is easily the best of breed. I've had a number of beers in this style and nothing comes close to the terms of "balance" and "smoothness" than this beer. Most brews in this genre taste too strong in alcohol and this one doesn't come close. Once you taste this beer, you'll never want another IPA ever again.

Serving type: bottle