In case you haven’t noticed, this blog tends to focus on Washington beers. It’s our niche and we’re proud to have it. That being said, we are not stupid, we have not been brainwashed by Washington beer, and we appreciate any good beer regardless of its origins. We just tend not to talk about them so much.
Initiation
Last September we found ourselves in California where we visited Russian River Brewing‘s pub in downtown Santa Rosa. I really don’t have words to describe it. I sat down at the bar and looked up at the big beer list on the wall and I swear to God it gave me goose bumps. Damnation, Perdition, Redemption, Temptation, Supplication, Blind Pig, Pliny, and so on, all in one place for my enjoyment. I damn near wept. I’m getting a bit verklempt right now just thinking about it. Either you think I’m crazy or you don’t: either you have made this pilgrimage or you have not.
Reputation
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For many of you, your experience with this magnificent brewery stops at Pliny the Elder. While that is a damn fine beer to be sure, there are many other fine beers upon which Vinnie Cilurzo has built Russian River Brewing’s reputation. You need to taste more that Pliny the Elder to appreciate Vinnie’s work.
Realization
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I realize that this has been a longwinded and indulgent way of telling you about a beer tasting event. I just want to get the uninitiated excited about this one.
Tomorrow from 5:00-7:00 (Wednesday, February 2nd) Full Throttle Bottles is having a Russian River tasting event. For the uninitiated, this is a chance to introduce yourself to at least some of Russian River beers other than Pliny. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity.
Here’s the scoop from Full Throttle:
Do I really have to write anything about the infamous Russian River beers? Yes? Well OK then! These are some seriously delicious beers that you will absolutely fall in love with!! We will be tasting all of these. BUT it will be a “Premium” event (which means it will be $5 for all of them rather than the usual $3) Why you ask? Well because each of these highly (OK almost perfect) rated beers is quite spendy! So this is a chance for you to try ALL of them without busting your budget. But I can’t bust mine either because the accountant gets mad….so, we increase the price a little and everyone is happy! There is a VERY limited number of beers being opened for us to taste, so please come early as when we run out, we are completely OUT and I will not be opening any more bottles. For purchasing, we should have enough of all (except the Pliny) for everyone. But in case I’m wrong, there will be more on Thursday (again, except for the Pliny which I cannot order).
Russian River Temptation: This ale does more than tempt. Aged in french oak chardonnay barrels, this blonde ale ages like a fine wine and undergoes a secondary fermentation process that makes the Brettanomyces present in every delicious glass. Beer Advocate gives it an A, and Ratebeer gives it a score of 100. Sweet and sour all in one, you might just be tempted for a bottle of your own.
Russian River Damnation: If this is wrong, we don’t want to be right! Damnation is a Belgian-style Strong Golden Ale, and the banana, pear, and fruity esters lend to a very smooth beer. A frequent winner at the GABF, we think
Vinnie might just be on to something here.Russian River Supplication: Tart, cherry, and oh-my-gawd it’s tasty. Supplication is a Brown Ale that is aged in French oak Pinot Noir barrels with three strains of Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and sour cherries. This Belgian-Style Sour is a perfect pairing with rich red meats. We especially love it with prime rib. YUM! Ratebeer = 100
Russian River Consecration: Didn’t get enough cherry in the Supplication? Here’s your chance for more, balanced with a malty, funky, earthy quality that you’ll want to work up to. This is a sour lover’s beer. Full bodied and unique, the currants add a special something to the blend! By the way, Ratebeer=100.
Russian River Pliny the Elder: There is a reason that Pliny the Elder has a cult following, and once you drink it you will understand. This Imperial IPA has the aroma of a hophead’s dreams, and a smooth and easy to drink, lightly carbonated mouthfeel. You’ve heard of comfort foods? This is comfort beer. Did I mention, Ratebeer=100.
We will be tasting these on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 5-7pm. Due to the high cost of these items, this will be a “Premium” tasting event and will be $5.00 to taste all of them. Bring your own glass to be GREEN and save $1!
