Brewers Journal Podcast

#158 | Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Company

Jan 10, 2025

Vinnie Cilurzo, co-founder of Russian River Brewing Company, shares insights on brewing and community impact. He discusses the staggering $8.6 million economic boost from releasing Pliny the Younger. Vinnie highlights the brewery's commitment to quality and tradition while innovating with new hop varieties. The conversation also delves into the importance of maintaining a strong identity amid the diverse craft beer landscape. With Pliny the Younger’s high anticipation, Vinnie emphasizes customer care and a philosophy of steady growth.

47:56

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Episode guests

Vinnie Cilurzo

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Quick takeaways

Breweries like Russian River Brewing Company are essential community hubs, fostering social connections and contributing positively to the local economy.

Successful breweries must adapt to an evolving craft beer landscape while maintaining their core identity and commitment to quality brewing standards.

Deep dives

The Impact of Breweries on Local Communities

Breweries play a vital role in their local communities by creating spaces for socialization and contributing positively to the local economy. They are often considered community hubs, fostering connections among residents while providing employment opportunities and professional development for their teams. An example is California's Russian River Brewing Company, whose annual release of Pliny the Younger significantly boosts the local economy, generating millions in revenue for local businesses. This dual impact of community building and economic contribution underscores the importance of breweries as central fixtures in their regions.

Intro

4min

Economic Impact of Pliny the Younger Release

5min

The Legacy of Pliny: Balancing Popularity and Quality

9min

Crafting Unique Brews: Innovation and Tradition

22min

Revitalizing Tradition: The Brewer's Gold IPA Journey

4min

Preparing for the Pliny the Younger Release: A Focus on Quality and Customer Care

4min

In the world of beer, there are a number of real positives when it comes to working for, or running, a brewery.

Creating something that people enjoy, savour and value is a goal in any artistic venture. And in ownership, so is the ability to provide employment, development and satisfaction to your team.

Another purpose for many businesses is the ability to affect a change. Breweries are often the beating heart of local communities. They can offer a place to frequent, to socialise and where possible, also have a positive impact on the local economy they form part of.

In the case of Russian River Brewing Company, they do just that. And with the release of the modern phenomenon that is Pliny The Younger, their annual sought-after Triple IPA, on the horizon, what better time to catch up with co-founder Vinnie Cilurzo who, along with his business partner and wife Natalie, is the co-founder of the California business.

In this episode he shares his observations on the changing brewing landscape, the importance of community and his love of working with different ingredients.

We also talked about the importance of maintaining a strong identity, integrity and, in an age of countless beer styles, why Russian River will continue doing what it does best – and that’s “staying in its lane” making the beers people love.

Photo Credit: Russian River Brewing Company

Production: Ross Macpherson

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Brewers Journal Podcast

#158 | Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Company

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Impact of Breweries on Local Communities

Challenges and Innovations in Beer Production

The Significance of Pliny the Younger Release

Maintaining Quality and Focus in Brewing

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts