Russian River Brewing Company

Russian River Brewing Company defines the gold standard for American double IPAs with its iconic Pliny the Elder, a beer that consistently scores 100 on BeerAdvocate. Brewed with a dry-hop charge of 6 pounds per barrel—40% more than the typical DIPA—Pliny the Elder offers a clean, resinous profile that has inspired countless imitators. This precise bitterness, measured at 70 IBUs, provides a clarity that contrasts with #4 Other Half Brewing's decadently turbid imperial stouts. For over two decades, Russian River has maintained a 4.6-star average on Untappd, a durability unmatched by any other brewery on this list, proving its Santa Rosa institution status.