Wee recently embarked on a pilgrimage to a Seattle taphouse institution, The Dray, nestled in the heart of Ballard. Our mission? To seek our first encounter with Pliny the Younger and other hallowed offerings of Russian River Brewing. Unsurprisingly, Pliny the Younger had blown before we arrived, so we decided to unravel the mysteries of RnD WC IPA #90. And it was worth every delicious sip!
From the moment we stepped into The Dray, we knew we were in a special place. The atmosphere was nice and quiet on a sunny Thursday afternoon with wood slat walls adorned with beer, Seahawks, and Seattle memorabilia. But our eyes, of course, were immediately drawn to the tap list, a glorious testament to excellent taste and a curated selection.
Limited Edition Craft Beer: RnD WC IPA #90
While we were certainly disappointed that we were unable to indulge with Pliny the Younger, we’ve had plenty of the Elder in the past, so we decided to try the RnD WC IPA #90. This particular brew is part of Russian River’s Research and Development series, meaning it’s often a limited release, a test batch, a glimpse into the minds of brewing genius. And as expected, #90 did not disappoint.
The pour revealed a beautiful, clear golden hue, with a lively head that promised something special. The aroma that wafted up was a complex symphony of bright citrus, think zesty grapefruit and a hint of tangerine, intertwined with subtle piney notes and a whisper of dankness. It was incredibly inviting, a prelude to the hop explosion we knew was coming.
Flavorful Bounty from Russian River Brewing
The first taste of the RnD WC IPA #90 delivered a balanced flavor that truly impressed us and addressed all aspects of the palate. The bitterness was pronounced, as a West Coast IPA should, but it was remarkably clean and well-integrated, never overwhelming. This wasn’t a one-note bitterness; it was layered, with the citrus and pine flavors from the aroma following through on the palate. There was a surprising depth of tropical fruit that emerged mid-palate, adding another dimension to its character. This is a truly crisp and refreshing, dry finishing, craft beer.
As our first foray into the RnD series, it’s exciting to report a true sense of discovery as we drained the glass. From what we understand, each number represents a unique experiment, a new combination of hops, malts, and techniques. The #90 felt like a perfected iteration, a testament to Russian River’s ongoing pursuit of IPA excellence. It showcased their ability to create a craft beer that is both intensely hoppy and incredibly drinkable, a delicate dance between bold flavors and nuanced refinement.
Concluding Our Stay at The Dray and Continuing Our Hunt for Pliny the Younger
Our time at The Dray, savoring the RnD WC IPA #90, was a fantastic experience. It reinforced why Russian River holds such a revered place in the craft beer world and why places like The Dray, with their dedication to bringing these special brews to enthusiasts, are so vital. If you ever see a Russian River Brewing RnD series IPA on tap, do yourself a favor and seize the opportunity. You won’t regret it!
And a special WeeBeer Cheers to the beertender and a group of customers that came in after us, they let us know that the Trailbend Taproom, a few blocks away, had Pliny the Younger still on tap. So after the RnD, we bid them farewell and headed off on our endless pursuit of the perfect pint! We’ll share that stop with you tomorrow!
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
