Pliny the Younger: What to know about Russian River Brewing’s once-a-year release

Starting March 22 through April 4, Russian River Brewing Co.’s highly anticipated, annual release of Pliny the Younger will be on tap at its brewpubs in downtown Santa Rosa and Windsor.

Thousands are expected to wait hours for the ultra-hoppy triple India pale ale, which has historically attracted beer fans from around the globe.

This year marks the 20th release of Pliny the Younger, which will coincide with the Santa Rosa brewpub’s 20th birthday. That means, extra-special goodies are in store for those who brave the long lines.

Here’s what you need to know:

Hours: Both brewpubs will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through April 4. Pliny will be available each day until the brewpub runs out of that day’s allocation. Customers can expect long wait times, with lines starting to form around 5 a.m. or earlier

Pro tip: Lines are shorter Monday through Thursday and during the evening at the Windsor brewpub location, according to the brewery.

Once inside, guests are allotted a maximum of 2 ½ hours at the pub.

The beer: Each guest is allotted three 10-oz draft pours of Pliny the Younger to enjoy at the pub.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary, guests will also be allowed to purchase three bottles of Younger, instead of the usual two, for $13.50 per bottle. A special, 20th anniversary gift box is complimentary with every three bottle purchase.

Draft pours are not transferable, but bottle allocations can be transferred to other people in your party.

There is no requirement to eat or drink if you’d like to purchase bottles.

The location:

Santa Rosa: 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa; 707-545-2337.

Windsor: 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor; 707-545-2337.

More information: russianriverbrewing.com/pliny-the-younger-release

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Doyle at 707-521-5478 or sarah.doyle@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Sarah on Instagram at @whiskymuse.