This is the 10th year the brewpub has released the seasonal beer, which regularly sits at or near the top of lists of the best beers in the world by critics and beer fans.
Brewer Vinnie Cilurzo expressed his ongoing amazement at the frenzy his beer has set off.
"I am flattered and humbled, I am every year, that people would wait this long," he said.
The brewery plans to ration the beer carefully to make sure it is available for two full weeks at the brewpub on Fourth Street. They hope to avoid running out on any given day any earlier than 6 p.m.
The beer will also start shipping next week to a handful of bars in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. The tight supply will mean beer drinkers in those states will face their own long lines to get their annual Pliny the Younger fix.
The release at the home brewpub, however, has become a major beer pilgrimage for beer fans worldwide. The beer generates about $2.4 million for the local economy in direct sales and money generated by tourism, the Sonoma County Economic Development Board found in a study last year.
For Keith and Fran Jones of Herndon, Virginia, coming to Santa Rosa to taste this beer was "a bucket list" item, said Keith Jones.
Nearby was a party of eight, all relatives and friends, who came from Wisconsin and Texas.
"This is kind of the Mecca of craft beers," said Jeff Potts of Oshkosh, explaining the motivation that got the eight of them to meet up in Sonoma County for a long weekend.
They'd brought ponchos and umbrellas and were ready for a rainy wait.
"Yes everyone thinks we're crazy," said Potts. But the chance to hang with other beer nerds, he said, was too tempting.
A couple from Southern California arrived at about 12:30 a.m., and found themselves among the first 10 or so folks in line.
"Eight hours of driving and 11 hours of waiting in line," said Sebastian Hernandez of Rancho Cucamonga.
"It's kind of like going to Disneyland the first time,"he said. "You can't sleep,"
Graphic designer Mark Dale and his brother Chris journeyed up for the release from Southern California. Craft brewers are artists, who put their hearts into their creations, he said.
"And we're just looking for this one time experience of sharing their art with them," he said.
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