Mark your calendars or gird your loins, the top-rated American craft beer arrives to select locations in L.A. as early as this weekend. Pliny the Younger, a triple IPA, has been topping best-of lists since Russian River Brewing Co. initially released it in 2005 and continues its reign this year on Ratebeer.com as 3rd best (remember Westy?) and 2nd best on planet earth Beeradvocate.com.

This coveted brew is named for the Roman author who penned epistolary works chronicling, amongst other things, the eruption of Vesuvius and the death of his uncle Pliny the Elder, after whom Russian River's Double IPA is named. The Younger is an amplified “triple” version of the Elder, which is available year-round throughout California.

Pliny the Younger is released annually on the first Friday of February at Russian River's brewpub in Santa Rosa, CA, under the watchful eye of brewery owner Vinnie Cilurzo. Drinkers are usually enamored by the unusually finessed results of a walloping quantity of hops, and its smooth drinkability for such high alcohol. The beer is unbelievably well constructed. But don't listen to us when herds of beer drinkers this weekend will show you where the back of the line begins.

The following six locations have confirmed the imminent arrival Pliny the Younger.

Pliny at Russian River 2012; Credit: Erika Bolden

Pliny at Russian River 2012; Credit: Erika Bolden

38 Degrees Ale House & Grill: Alhambra

Date: Sat., Feb. 16, 11 a.m.

Quantity: Flight only

Event: Flight of Russian River to include Pliny the Younger, Pliny the Elder, Blind Pig + 1 TBD. Updates at the Facebook event page.

Reservations: No. Line begins at 10 a.m, first come first served.

Beachwood BBQ & Brewing: Long Beach

Date: Mon., Feb. 18 (raffle drawing)

Quantity: 130 pints raffled

Event: Raffle. 100% of proceeds benefiting the Melanoma Research Foundation. Winners will have 10 days to redeem their pints. Event page here.

Reservations: No. Tickets on sale at Beachwood BBQ Seal Beach or Long Beach through Fri., Feb. 15 at 10 p.m.

Haven Gastropub + Brewery: Pasadena

Date: Mon. Feb. 18, 11 a.m.

Quantity: 8 oz.

Event: Flights of 3 Russian River pours to include 8 oz. each of Pliny the Younger, Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig. Event page here.

Reservations: No. First come, first served.

Mohawk Bend: Echo Park

Date: Tues. Feb. 19, 6 p.m.

Quantity: 6 oz. pours, limit 2 per person.

Event: Russian River flight night with food specials on nachos, crabcake sliders, and small pizzas to keep you on your feet. Updates at the Facebook event page.

Reservations: Yes, the Ramona Room reservations@mohawk.la and first come first served in the pub.

The Surly Goat: West Hollywood

Confirmed. Check Facebook or Twitter for information as it is released. Pre-access will be granted to those with 50+ passport stamps.

Verdugo: Glassell Park

Confirmed. Check Facebook and Twitter for information as it is released.

If you're a visual person needing to be convinced of what Pliny is all about check out this documentary. Still not convinced? Try one of these 5 excellent California alternatives. Have a tip on where else to find Pliny? Feel free to leave it in the comments.

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