Comerica becomes Russian River Brewing Co.’s bank

Comerica Bank has won the competition to be Pliny the Elder’s banker.

The Dallas-headquartered bank has a new client: Santa Rosa’s Russian River Brewing Co., maker of some of the most well-regarded beers in the world, such as Pliny the Elder and its super hoppy Pliny the Younger. The bank will finance the construction and equipment for Russian River’s second brewery and brewpub in Windsor.

Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner/president of the brewery, had noted that she received numerous calls from bankers once she announced that she and her husband, Vinnie, were looking for another location.

The brewery has more than 300,000 customers on an annual basis and the Cilurzos have bought out all their original investors, making it a potentially safe loan client.

“We’re excited to broaden our customer base in the California craft brewing industry by working with one of the premier brands in the business,” Comerica Bank Vice President Bill Burke said in a statement. “The new Windsor brewpub will be terrific for the city and we’re excited to help owners Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo with their planned expansion.”