[UPDATED] HopWatch 2018: Where to find Pliny the Younger

San Francisco Beer Week is here which means it’s officially Pliny the Younger season. While we have varying opinions across the board about what our favorite IPA’s are – even what our favorite Russian River IPAs are –  there is no doubt that Russian River Brewing has earned its keep as one of the best breweries in the world. So bear with us as we (rightfully) fuel some of the fan-fare the next few weeks for those who have yet to get a taste of this once-a-year brew. Better yet, it’s clear. A.F.

Entering its 14th season, Pliny the Younger officially launched at Russian River Brewing on February 2nd and will be available at the Sonoma brewpub through February 19, 2018. This week the elusive hop bomb makes its rounds to various Northern California destinations in celebration of SF Beer Week (including tonight’s Opening Gala) before its distribution hits Southern California and select areas in Oregon and Colorado. Expect this well-deserved hype train to run through early March.

California:
– SF Beer Week Opening Gala (Confirmed for February 9)
– The Bistro (Hayward): Confirmed on 2/8
– The Trappist (Oakland): Confirmed seen on tap on 2/7
–  Beachwood BBQ & Brewing (Seal Beach and Long Beach): Confirmed. The 7th Annual Pliny Fights Cancer Charity Raffle returns to both Beachwood locations this month. Tickets ($5, Cash Only) are available now to enter for a chance to win a pour redeemable at the end of the month. Full details on this incredibly noble cause here.
– Mini Bar (San Francisco): Confirmed tapped on 2/7.
– McGee’s Bar (Alameda): Confirmed tapped on 2/9.
– Lucky 13 (Alameda): Confirmed on tap 2/9.
– Toronado (San Francisco): Confirmed sightings began 2/9 – multiple kegs here so follow their social media. Confirmed on tap on 2/12.
– The Cooler (San Leandro): Confirmed sighting on 2/9.
– Beer Revolution (Oakdland): Confirmed on 2/9.
– Oliver’s Market (Windsor, CA): Confirmed on 2/9.
– Ben & Nick’s Bar & Grill (Oakland): Confirmed event on 2/17. Details here.
– Blue Palms Brewhouse (Hollywood): Confirmed event on 2/24. Details here.
– First Street Ale House (Livermore): Tentatively confirmed for 2/17. Stay tuned on this event page for details.
– 38 Degrees Ale House (Alhambra): Confirmed event on 2/24. Details here.
– Haven Gastropub (Orange): Confirmed for 2/25. Details here.
– Bobby G’s Pizzeria (Berkley): Confirmed during Strong Beer Day on 2/16-17. Details here.
– Hamilton’s Tavern (San Diego): Confirmed during Hamilton’s Triple IPA Throwdown on 2/25. Details here.
– Bar Crudo (San Francisco): Confirmed on tap on 2/11.
– Rosamunde Sausage Grill (San Francisco): Confirmed on 2/11.
–The Hop Yard & Ale House (Pleasanton): Confirmed on 2/14.
– The Monk’s Kettle (San Francisco): Confirmed on tap on 2/14.
– Pete’s Brass Rail & Car Wash (Danville): Confirmed on 2/14.
– The Rose & Crown Pub (Palo Alto): Confirmed on 2/14.
– City Beer Store (San Francisco): Confirmed 2/13.
– Wine Affairs (San Jose): Confirmed on 2/13.
– HopMonk Tavern (Sonoma): Confirmed on 2/13.
– Harry’s Hofbrau (San Jose): Confirmed keg for IPA Day on Sunday, 2/18. 11am doors, 12pm tapping. 1 ticket per person. Tickets do NOT guarantee a pour so don’t wait too long to redeem.
– Mohawk Bend (Los Angeles): Confirmed event for 2/16 at 12pm.
– Blind Lady Ale House (San Diego): Pre-sale for ticketed event live NOW (2/15) – full details for 2/17 ticketed event here.
– Tony’s Darts Away (Burbank): Confirmed 2/17 event. Tickets available at 9am, first come first serve. Ticketholders can redeem from 10a-5p.
– The Surly Goat (West Hollywood): Confirmed event on 2/22 at 8pm. Passport holders get first crack (full passports at 5pm, 60 stamps at 5:15, 40 stamps at 5:30, and 20 stamps at 5:45) before the public is let in at 6pm. Beer tapped at 8pm.
– Lucky Baldwin’s Pub (Old Town Pasadena): Confirmed for 2/24. Tickets available at 11am for a 1pm tapping.
– Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste Pub (Pasadena): Confirmed for 2/25. Tickets available at 11am for a 1pm tapping.
– Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium & Cafe (Sierra Madre): Confirmed on 3/3. Tickets available at 11am for a 1pm tapping.
– The Bottle Room (Whittier): Confirmed 2/24 at 10am for their annual Russian River event.
– Naja’s Place (Redondo Beach): Confirmed on tap on 2/16.
– Lucky 13 (San Francisco): Confirmed on tap on 2/16.
– Haven Gastropub (Orange): Confirmed event on 2/25. Details here.
– Tustin Brewing Co. (Tustin): Confirmed event on 2/21. Details here.
– Good Karma Artisan Ales (San Jose): Confirmed event on 2/19. Details here.
– Pizza Port (Ocean Beach): Confirmed tapped on 2/20.
– Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar (Sonoma): Confirmed on 2/20.
– University of Beer (Davis): Confirmed on 2/20.
–Ladyface Ale Companie & Brasserie (Agoura Hills): Confirmed on 2/19.
– Hollingshead Deli (Orange): Confirmed on 2/19.
– Mission Bowling Club (San Francisco): Confirmed on 2/19.
– Pangea Bier Cafe (Sacramento): Confirmed 2/26 event. Details here.
– Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle (San Diego): Planned Parenthood/Pliny the Younger event details for 3/5 here.
– Congregation Ale House (Long Beach): Confirmed on 2/20.
– Live Wire Bar (San Diego): Confirmed on 2/20.
– Pizza Port (Carlsbad): Teased on Instagram stories that they’ll be tapping on 2/21.
– Slow Hand BBQ (Pleasant Hill): Confirmed on 2/20.
– Wine Affairs (San Jose): Confirmed on 2/20.
– LowBrau (Sacramento): Confirmed on 2/20.
– St. John’s Bar & Grill (Sunnyvale): Confirmed on 2/20.

Colorado
– Falling Rock Tap House (Denver): Confirmed events on 2/17, 2/18, and 2/24.  All 3 tappings will take place at 1pm with doors at 11am. Tickets are first come first serve. Details here.
– Hops & Pie (Denver): Confirmed for 3/1 at 1:30pm. Tickets available at 11:30am on 3/1 and can be redeemed any time between 1:30pm and 10pm that day.
– Backcountry Pizza & Tap House (Boulder): Confirmed event on 2/25 at 12pm. Tickets are first come, first serve.
– Parry’s Pizza (Highlands Ranch): Confirmed event on 3/3. Details here.
– Choice City Butcher & Deli (Fort Collins): Confirmed on tap on 2/20.

Oregon