86: Russian River Brewing’s Vinnie Cilurzo: Brewing Sour Beer with Old World Tradition and Contemporary Innovation

Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing details the evolution of hop-forward brewing and the technical nuances of spontaneous fermentation. Simcoe hops, once nearly abandoned by growers, became the cornerstone of Pliny the Elder, illustrating a broader industry shift from commodity-focused agriculture to flavor-driven craft production. Open fermentation, while capital-intensive, provides superior yeast health and cleaner flavor profiles for both IPAs and traditional styles. The production of sour beers like Beatification and Supplication relies on precise temperature control and the strategic use of aged hops to manage acidity. Cilurzo emphasizes the importance of maintaining small-batch integrity through barrel-aging, while highlighting the collaborative spirit of the craft community, exemplified by the shared history and ongoing legacy of the legendary "PH-1" barrel.