For the fifth year in a row, San Diego beer drinkers will once again get early access to one of the most coveted beers on the planet. Russian River Brewing Company’s legendary Pliny The Younger will be pouring at select San Diego County bars and breweries weeks before the annual pilgrimage begins at the brewery’s Northern California home.
As in recent years, Russian River is delaying the on-site release of Pliny The Younger at its Santa Rosa and Windsor breweries. The 22nd anniversary edition of the ultra-limited Triple IPA will not be available at the source until March 20 through April 2, 2026. That gap once again opens the door for San Diego’s top beer bars and accounts to tap kegs well in advance, making the region one of the best places in the country to find Younger without a multi-hour line.
Distribution in San Diego is being handled by the former Stone Brewing distribution arm, which remained intact following Stone’s sale to Sapporo and was later acquired by Anheuser-Busch distributor Hand Family Companies. Russian River has already begun shipping kegs locally, with accounts encouraged to tap by early March, though many will pour much earlier.
Below is our 2026 San Diego County Pliny The Younger list, organized by region. Dates reflect confirmed or expected tap times where available. This list will be updated as more locations announce releases.
As in recent years, Russian River is delaying the on-site release of Pliny The Younger at its Santa Rosa and Windsor breweries. The 22nd anniversary edition of the ultra-limited Triple IPA will not be available at the source until March 20 through April 2, 2026. That gap once again opens the door for San Diego’s top beer bars and accounts to tap kegs well in advance, making the region one of the best places in the country to find Younger without a multi-hour line.
Distribution in San Diego is being handled by the former Stone Brewing distribution arm, which remained intact following Stone’s sale to Sapporo and was later acquired by Anheuser-Busch distributor Hand Family Companies. Russian River has already begun shipping kegs locally, with accounts encouraged to tap by early March, though many will pour much earlier.
Below is our 2026 San Diego County Pliny The Younger list, organized by region. Dates reflect confirmed or expected tap times where available. This list will be updated as more locations announce releases.
NORTH COUNTY:
- Knotty Barrel, Rancho Penasquitos (2/21)
- Carlsbad Brewing Company, Carlsbad (2/8, 2/10)
- Encinitas Ale House, Encinitas (2/7 with tickets)
- Regal Seagull, Encinitas
- Pizza Port, Carlsbad
- Churchill's Pub and Grill, San Marcos
- PCH Sports Bar & Grill, Oceanside (2/20-22 with list)
- Pizza Port, Ocean Beach (2/10 at 10am)
- Bottlecraft, Little Italy
- Bottlecraft, North Park
- San Diego TapRoom, Pacific Beach (2/14-15, 2/21-22)
- OB Noodle House, Ocean Beach
- Fathom Bistro, Shelter Island (2/12 and random days)
- Blind Lady Ale House, Normal Heights
- North Park Beer, North Park, Bankers Hill & Pacific Beach
- Working Class, North Park
- Tribute Pizza, North Park
- Live Wire, University Heights
- Neighborhood, East Village
- Counterpoint, Golden Hill (2/7)
- Regal Beagle, Mission Hills
- Whistle Stop, South Park
- Grand Ole BBQ y Asado, North Park
- O'Brien's Pub, Kearny Mesa (2/6 and more)
- Regents Pizzeria, University City
- San Diego Brewing, Grantville
- Oggi's, Carmel Mountain Ranch
East County:
- West Coast Smoke & Tap House, La Mesa
- Press Box Sports Lounge, Rancho San Diego (2/7)
SOUTH COUNTY:
- Machete Beer House, National City
MOUNTAINS:
- Pub at Lake Cuyamaca, Julian
To ensure avaialability, call ahead to whatever establishment you'll be patronizing to assure tap times and availability. Once tapped, this beer goes fast. You can also set up an alert at TapHunter to find out when Pliny The Younger arrives. And if we're missing any spots that will be serving Younger this year, please send an email to Info@SanDiegoVille.com or DM us @SanDiegoVille on Instagram.
Originally published on February 6, 2026.
