I like to start this post with the moral of the story... Perseverance always pays off. If you want "it," work your ass off to get "it," and you will.* Of course, that could just be the Pliny talking ;-)
So what do I think of PtE? I think it is an amazing beer! Even if you're not big on the hops (keeping in mind Pliny is a double IPA), it is so well balanced with all the other components that a lot of my hop hating friends even enjoyed it! Only when I tried PtE next to other DIPAs did I notice how good it really was. If you get your hands on PtE, make sure to get at least one other DIPA or IPA to try next to it, and for Darwin's sake SHARE!!! To borrow a pothead term, don't be a "Bogart" with Pliny.
As I've mentioned, I'm nowhere near an expert on beer tasting. The most complex adjectives I use for beer are hoppy, sour, bitter, malty, smooth, chocolaty and (my favorite) tastes like figs. In some ways I don't even feel worthy to talk about Pliny. A lot of people have put way more work into getting it than I have (tenth paragraph).
To stay true to the above about not being a Bogart, I don't want to hold out on everyone. I was able to get my hands on four bottles of Pliny and a nice Snifters worth on tap too! I got two of the bottles from Liquor Mart (I know, big surprise), but I also got two bottles from...Bottles (great place). The bigger surprise was that Backcountry Tap House gets it in (on tap) almost monthly. I've heard of other places that get it in also, but not as frequently. Backcountry has almost as many beers as it has had owners (Nederland joke). Definitely check out Backcountry if you haven't had the chance yet.
I have a feeling if this blog ever gets big a bunch of Boulder Pliny Freaks (BPFs, for I'm sure they will come up again) will be mad at me for making this information so available...Silly Bogarts. When I first bought PtE a guy came into Liquor Mart wearing a Pliny the Elder T-Shirt! My first thought was, "I want one," which was immediately followed by, "This guy is hard core!!!!" Now I have an idea of how girls feel when guys stare at their rack. The dude didn't take his eyes off my Pliny! I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little afraid for my life. Keep a tight grip on your Pliny.
One of the employees at Bottles told me they hide in back so the dirty bums can't get their hands on it. When I was checking out he laughed at me for showing him my I.D. and said, "Dude, you're buying Pliny." In case you don't know I look like I'm GH induced twelve year old at most. He still checked my I.D. if you're wondering.
Upon the conclusion of writing this post I'm concerned I started with too much of a bang. It can only go down hill after Pliny right? My hope is my writing–specifically my writing about beer–will improve, and I can entice you not with the beer I discuss, but my sweet skills at discussing them. Maybe in a year I will return to write about Pliny again, assuming I'm not diagnosed with celiac disease in that time. And maybe in a year, I'll have sweet beer writing skills!
I wish all those that choose to look for Pliny luck and an easier time than I had. Words of advice: don't call West End Tavern for help (Stone anyone?), don't be scared to ask employees, impress employees with your sweet beer knowledge, support the business so they don't think your a worthless BPF and most of all don't drink it alone unless you have to!
We Colorado citizens live in a wonderful place for beer! Don't get hung up on one kind. Pliny is great, but there is plenty of other beers in the State (and the World. Probably not the sea though). Enjoy!
Until next time.
Silas
(Grammar is a monster I try not to pay too much attention to. If you notice a mistake, correct it in your brain and move on.)
*I know there are a whole lot bigger dreams than trying to find a hard-to-get beer, so don't take offense to what I said above. I know the world isn't a fare place and not all people will always achieve their goals, no matter how much perseverance they have. Maybe I should have said, perseverance always pays off with small dreams, and a lot of times with big dreams. To quote the cover of Tommy Boy, "If first you don't succeed, lower your standards." Darwin I love that movie!
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