Like in comparison - right now I'm drinking my amber ale, and to me it is more bitter. But it's 1062 -> 1018 and only 61 IBU. I get more of a sharper, biting, but still pleasant, bitterness from this, which is weird, because it's made with similar cohumulone hops, is much sweeter/residual and is more malty in flavour, where I would expect it to be the other way around. See I dunno, maybe it's more than numbers in this case, or makes me think older vs fresh beer, or palate differences.
At the end of the day Pliny is fucking awesome, no doubt about it.
You wanna see something awesome... check out the results from the last few World Beer Cups, in the pale ale sections, and check out their website. These guys kick ass in the pale ale department and their actual plant is probably one reason why... I'd love to go check it out someday.
I listened to a podcast of Vinnie Chilurzo giving them massive ups... like MASSIVE. The brewer insists on Dry Hopping in the dark!!! It is in their proceedures! How's that for quality control!
Readily gives his recipe for Pliny, has written hoppy beer 'how-to's for homebrewers, everyone talks highly of him and seems like he'd be a good as bloke. I reckon that's what brewing's all about - getting better beer.
Alaskan Amber, it's ok, forgot this was supposed to be an Alt which I don't think it is either), was expecting an USAmber. Drinkable, nothing outstanding.