California Beerzine

Of all the great breweries in California, Russian River stands out for making some of the most coveted beers on the market. Any beer geek worth his salt has made the pilgrimage to Santa Rosa, pre-ordered their special releases online, or orchestrated a trade to get their hands on this precious commodity. But for the uninitiated, who are slowly learning all the great beers California has to offer, here is a primer on one of California’s best breweries.

Russian River Brewing Company

If you’re an avid craft beer fan like I am, chances are, you are very familiar with the name Russian River. They produce some of the most sought after beers in the country. 

Most craft breweries are lucky to have one beer that causes fanatics to stand in lines for hours, pay over a dollar per ounce, or seek friends across country that will ship them beer.  Russian River makes more of these high demand beers than you can count on both hands.

Without getting too complicated, Russian River has made their name in two areas: IPAs and Wild Ales.  Their four IPAs are some of the best, if not the best, known to man.  Russian River IPA, Blind Pig IPA, Pliny the Elder Double IPA and Pliny the Younger Triple IPA satisfy every hop lover’s dream; getting smacked upside the head with huge doses of hops.

Their Wild Ales are made with special yeasts and bacterias, giving these beers a signature tart or sour quality.  The more well known of this bunch are Temptation, a Blonde Ale aged in used chardonnay barrels, and Supplication, a Brown Ale aged with sour cherries in used pinot noir barrels.

In addition to their IPAs and Wild Ales, they also brew several types of Belgian Ales, American Pale Ales, Stouts, English Pale Ales, Czech Pilsners and more.  Right now, their Belgian Pale Ale, Damnation, is their only beer that can be found pretty regularly at the better beer stores across the state.  But thanks to a recent expansion, they just began regular bottling of Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder, which will be available throughout California for the first time in 500mL bottles.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, or happen to be near Santa Rosa (about an hour north of the Bay area), a stop at the Russian River Brewpub is a must.  And if you aren’t yet a fan of IPAs or Wild Ales, there is plenty on tap that will satisfy: a Blonde Ale, a well balanced Pale, a spicy Belgian-style wheat beer, or a nice roasty, chocolaty Stout.  Those are just a few of the possibilities, if you need a suggestion, don’t be afraid to ask the bartender.

Prices are at the brewpub are very reasonable. For beer of this quality, at $3-4 per pint, this might be one of the best deals in California. If you make it to happy hour (which lasts all day on Sunday) you can get a beer for under $3!  The food isn’t to be forgotten either, and you’ll more than likely need some.  The bulk of the menu is pizza and pizza-derived dishes, very tasty, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious beer in your belly.

Russian River is located at 725 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Their website can be found at http://russianriverbrewing.com/