Got my hands on a few bottles of Pliny the Elder. Best IPA I think I've had.

Got my hands on a few bottles of Pliny the Elder. Best IPA I think I've had.

I think that Pliny is an excellent beer and it's a huge pioneer in the world of beer. Vinnie is a wonderful brewer. With that said I honestly think that Pliny is highly overhyped by this point. The IPA market has been saturated with brilliant IPAs and chances are you can find one you enjoy just as much while costing less. That's my experience anyway, I know some people have tried 100's of IPAs and find Pliny their favorite.

Does Troegs distribute into your area?

Cuvee de Keizer is delicious, an excellent quad for sure!

Tonight I drank some Lagunitas Sucks which is a malty but hop prominent IPA, a Dogfish Head Raison D'extra which is a bit boozy and heavy on the raisins, and a Founders Porter which is a world class porter.

I'm in Northern CA not far from San Fran. I've never seen it. I agree, we have to many great IPA's out here, just in the Sacramento area that are as good as Pliny it's difficult to choose from.  But who's complaining. I just discovered Hoptologist by Knee Deep Brewing. Very close to Pliny, and cheaper.

Yeah, Pliny was a pioneer beer, but I think that in 2014 it doesn't retain it's luster. It definitely commands respect though!

No Troegs that I have seen around California so far, I hand-carried mine from PA this year...brought back the Cultivator (Helles Bock).  Had a "candy corn/grapefruit" thing going on that I just really dug.  The Troegenator was probably better for most people, it was just great off-tap (a double bock).

As far as malty IPA's, I'm not as keen on the Dogfish Head 60/90/120 minute IPA's.  I find Drake's "Denogginizer" to have a better malty/hoppy balance if in that realm.

At the meet this Sat., I have some Knee Deep Hoptologist (a favorite of mine too, Ringingears) plus some Pliny, plus some West Coast Brewing "Palate Wrecker", plus some Stone "Drink by Dec 26th". Tried the Stone "super fresh/dated" stuff again tonight and it just doesn't hold up in viscosity, balance, carbonation, nose, extension compared to others.
 
Pliny is still first on my list (even after comparing to the other IPAs at Russian River), but I love the Knee Deep stuff (Simtra is nice too).  The West Coast Brewing "Palate Wrecker" has some of that 21st Amendment "Brew Free or Die" Ludens Honey/Lemon cough drop thing going on that is okay for me, interested to see what others think. 

Hafta say that Avery Brewing Dictator's Series "Maharaja" is on my great list (do need to try Czar, Anax- & those other two look interesting too). An easier find and also enjoyable is Ninkasi Brewing Co. "Tricerahops". 
Also Clown Shoes' "Muffin Top".

Lagunitas' "Little Sumpin' Sumpin'" is great...  It's a good time for beer.  (While I agree that Ballast Point's "Sculpin" is now past the point, I still have to give it to Pliny.)