The Depot is now carrying beers from award-winning Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. Look for 17oz bottles of their Blind Pig, Happy Hops, Pliny the Elder, and other flavors, chilling in our beer cooler near checkout. We love their products and are equally impressed with their sustainable initiatives. Seemed like a good fit for the Depot!
Russian River Brewing Company has become a bit of a legend in the craft beer world—and for good reason. Founded in 1997, this Sonoma County brewery helped put bold, hop-forward beers on the map while also mastering the art of complex, barrel-aged sours. What started as a small operation has grown into a must-visit destination for beer lovers, with welcoming brewpubs in Santa Rosa and Windsor (The pizza is incredible too). Despite the acclaim, they’ve kept things grounded, focusing on quality, creativity, and making beers people genuinely get excited about.
Owners Vinnie Cilurzo and Natalie Cilurzo are a husband-and-wife team who bring both passion and personality to the business. Vinnie is often credited with pioneering the Double IPA style, and together they’ve grown the brewery thoughtfully—never losing sight of what made it special in the first place. They’re known for being hands-on, detail-oriented, and connected to their community, and it shows in everything from their beer to their customer experience.
Sustainability is another area where Russian River Brewing quietly shines. Their brewery in Windsor, CA was designed with the environment in mind, featuring an advanced wastewater treatment system that allows them to clean and reuse water from the brewing process. They’ve also made smart choices around energy use and land stewardship, proving that great beer and responsible practices can go hand in hand. It’s all part of a bigger picture: making world-class beer while taking care of the place that makes it possible.
Pliny the Elder is the brewery’s rockstar—and one sip makes it clear why. This Double IPA bursts with piney, citrusy hop flavor, but what really makes it stand out is how incredibly balanced it is. Big and bold without being overwhelming, it basically set the gold standard for the style and still holds up decades later.
Blind Pig IPA is a bit more low-key, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a favorite among true IPA fans. It’s crisp, slightly lighter, and super drinkable, with classic West Coast hop character and just enough malt to keep things smooth. Think of it as the cool, understated sibling to Pliny.
Happy Hops lives up to its name with bright, fresh flavors that change a little each year. Brewed with freshly harvested hops, it leans into juicy citrus and tropical notes, giving it a lively, just-picked kind of feel. Its seasonal nature is part of the fun—you’re tasting a unique snapshot of that year’s hop harvest every time.
But talking about these beers doesn’t really do them justice. They need to be experienced. Come by the store and pick up one of their large format 17oz bottles. It’s the perfect size to share with a pal. You can also find them on tap at fine restaurants in our region. All Russian River Beers are Homer Approved.
