Good news, Pliny the Younger is headed to Philadelphia once again! Every March, local beer nerds play the game of tracking the ultra-rare triple-hopped, triple IPA from Russian River Brewing Company. Just as in years past, the Santa Rosa, CA-based craft brewer unleashed the Younger on February 1, making it available to visitors at its brewpub through February 14 by only tapping a small amount each day.

Pliny the Younger is one of the highest-rated beers in the world, and also one of the most sought-after. This is partially because of the beer’s well-balanced flavor and body — extra impressive for a 10.5% ABV triple-hopped brew — but also because distribution is extremely limited. Outside of California, Russian River is distributed to a just few states: Oregon, Colorado and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia-area only). When select bars do get their allotment of the special beer, they usually field lines of beer geeks eager to pay upwards of $12 for a small pour. We’ll be tracking news of PTY and will post updates on where to find it here, so bookmark this page and check back often.

The Drink Nation's man in Denver reports this year's batch of the Younger is well worth the hype, as well as the wait to get a glass. 

For an idea of what to expect, check out our Pliny the Younger list from last year. Let us know if you see it around with a post on Twitter or on Facebook. 

Tues., March 4
TJ's Restaurant & Drinkery (35 Paoli Plaza; 610-725-0100)
If you're out in the burbs, head to TJ's for some freshly tapped Pliny. Grab a 9 oz. pour for $6.25. Limit 1 per customer.

Thurs., March 6
Memphis Taproom (2331 E. Cumberland St.; 215-425-4460)
Doors open to the masses at 11:30 AM, sharp. Fifty lucky folks (you know who you are) that were quick enough to respond to an email sent from the bar will get inside 30 minutes before everyone else. 

South Philadelphia Taproom (1509 Mifflin St.; 215-271-7787)
PTY gets tapped at 11 AM. No lines. No hype. First come, first served. Also on tap will be Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig IPA. 

Fri., March 7
Sidecar Bar & Grille (2201 Christian St.; 215-732-3429)
Tickets will be issued for a 3 PM tapping.

Sun., March 9
City Tap House (3925 Walnut St.; 215-662-0105)
With no lines — that sort of hype and hysteria is generally frowned upon here — and plenty of room for bending elbows, the Tap House is easily the chillest place in town to get the Pliny the Younger. Brunch starts at 11 AM, and the great, golden triple-hopped elixir goes on tap at 2 PM. Place holders will be doled out one per person, and Golden Tickets go on sale at 1 PM. Only 65 will be issued. In addition to PTY, Hopslam, Nugget Nectar, Lagunitas Sucks, and bunch of other tasty beers will be featured. A growler full of the Younger will also be raffled off. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House.

Iron Abbey (680 N. Easton Rd.; 215-956-9600)
The Younger rears its hoppy head in burbs on Sunday. Tickets go on sale at 11 AM. Five bucks gets you a five ounce glass.

Mon., March 10
Monk's Cafe (264 S. 16th St.; 215-545-7005)
The only half-barrel of the Younger shipped to Philadelphia goes on tap at Monk's at 11:30 AM. If you want a sip, plan on being there earlier, and be prepared to stand in line. For his annual Pliny the Younger Mad Monday fundraising event for Alex's Lemonade, Monk's owner Tom Peters has set the goal of raising at least $25,000. In addition to PTY, other Russian River beers and rarities from around the world will be on tap. Several baskets stuffed with gems unearthed from Monk's deep, subterranean stocks will be raffled off. All proceeds will be turned over to Alex's Lemonade to help children battling cancer. As always, it's first come, first served, and cash only. 

Wed., March 12, 3 PM
Good Dog (224 S 15th St.; 215-985-9600)
The Pliny’s going on at 3 PM. Tickets go on sale at 2 PM.

Tues., March 18, 10 AM
Khyber (56 S. Second St.; 215-238-5888)
It’s first come, first serve for the 10 AM tapping. Fifty 10 oz. glasses will be poured for $10 a piece.

Wed., March 19, 11 AM
Bishop’s Collar (2349 Fairmount Ave.; 215-765-1616)
Tickets go on sale at 10 AM for the 11 AM tapping. Other beers on the draft list include Pliny the Elder, Bell’s HopSlam, Troegs Nugget Nectar, Dogfish Head’s Hellhound on My Ale, and more.

Date TBA
Grey Lodge Pub (6235 Frankford Ave.; 215-856-3591)
Grey Lodge's grand poobah, Mike "Scoats" Scotese, confirms that he is indeed receiving a keg of PTY, but won't say when. All he would divulge is, he will tap it as soon as it arrives. Keep your eyes on the bar's Twitter feed for the announcement. 

Monday, April 7, 11 AM
Monk's Cafe (264 S. 16th St.; 215-545-7005)
In a surprise email: "Russian River Brewing Company Pliny the Younger 1/6 keg tapped this morning. No line, no hassles, no crowds...aah!
$10 per glass CASH ONLY w/100% going to Charity". - Tom