Pliny the Younger 2026: Vinnie Cilurzo on the Beer That Changed Craft Brewing

Craft beer fans, this one's for you. We sit down with Vinnie Cilurzo, co-owner and Director of Brewing Operations at Russian River Brewing Company, to talk about Pliny the Younger, Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig IPA, and the brewing philosophy behind one of America's most celebrated craft breweries.Pliny the Younger 2026 Release 📅 March 20 – April 2, 2026 📍 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA | 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor, CAVinnie and his wife Natalie Cilurzo built Russian River into a global craft beer destination. Each February, their Pliny the Younger release draws thousands of beer lovers from around the world — generating millions in economic impact for Sonoma County.In This Episode:How Vinnie Cilurzo first fell in love with craft beerThe early craft beer scene and influences like Anchor Liberty Ale and Sierra Nevada Pale AleThe origin story of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the YoungerThe moment Pliny the Younger unexpectedly became the “best beer in the world”How Russian River grew from struggling brewpub to global destinationThe culture and community behind the famous Pliny lineSustainability at scale: CO₂ capture, water reuse, and local agricultureWhy intentional growth—not rapid expansion—has guided Russian River’s successThe future of craft beer and why lagers may be the next big waveKey Takeaways from Vinnie:🍺 Quality over growth Russian River has always prioritized beer quality and long-term sustainability over rapid expansion.🌎 Beer as community The Pliny line isn’t just about beer—it’s about connection. People meet friends, families, and sometimes even future spouses while waiting in line.🌿 Sustainability matters From capturing fermentation CO₂ to reusing brewery wastewater, Russian River continues to push environmental innovation in brewing.Lightning Round Highlights:Vinnie shares:His first craft beer love: Anchor Liberty AleThe most underrated beer style: SaisonA beer trend he hopes sticks: lagers and lower-ABV beersHis most surreal moment: seeing people lined up at 7AM in 2010 for Pliny the YoungerInsider Tips for Pliny the Younger:Vinnie also shares a few tips if you're planning to attend:Sunday of the first weekend can be surprisingly manageableDress in layers—Sonoma County mornings can be coldBring a chair or games if you're planning to wait in lineDon’t forget to explore the rest of the beer list beyond PlinyAbout the Brewery:Founded in 1997 and purchased by Vinnie and Natalie in 2003, Russian River Brewing Company has become one of the most influential breweries in the craft beer movement.Known for legendary beers like:Pliny the ElderPliny the YoungerBlind Pig IPAThe brewery continues to define West Coast craft beer.🍺 Crack One OpenBlind Pig IPA vs. Pliny the Elder — Which Russian River IPA Wins?After getting to chat with Vinnie Cilurzo ahead of the Pliny the Younger release, I’m inspired to return to two classics from Russian River Brewing Company.Pliny the Elder is still a masterclass in balance—an 8% double IPA that somehow drinks lighter and remains one of the most iconic beers in craft brewing.Blind Pig, at 6.5%, feels like a throwback to Vinnie’s roots—hoppy, aromatic, and incredibly drinkable. Revisiting it recently, I noticed it’s evolved a bit with the modern IPA world, softer and more aromatic than I remember.So I’ll turn it to you: Team Pliny or Team Pig?Leave a comment after listening and help settle the debate. Cheers! 🍻