Beer enthusiasts flocked to the Roanoke Inn on Monday to get a taste of the elusive and exclusive Russian River, California-brewed “Pliny the Younger” beer.

The keg was tapped at 4 p.m. and the beer was gone in 17 minutes, said bar manager Erik Pfeiffer.

“This beer is awesome,” Pfeiffer said. “It has its own little cult following.”

The Pliny beers from the California brewery have been touted as the most popular beers in the world, according to BeerAdvocate, a magazine and Web site devoted to beer.

Only 50 gallons were made available for the entire state of Washington. One of just a handful of places to get the brew, The Roanoke received about half of a pony keg, or about 60-70 glasses.

“We’re kind of off the beaten path out here, but we’re trying to establish ourselves as a beer destination,” Pfeiffer said.

Dana, a server at the Roanoke, said patrons were limited to one glass, of approximately eight ounces, for $8. With an alcohol level of 10 to 11 percent, she said the effects linger, along with the taste.

“It’s really hoppy,” Dana said.

So who are these Pliny fellows?

Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus lived from 61 A.D. to 112 A.D., but is better known as Pliny the Younger, according to Wikipedia. He was a lawyer, author and magistrate of ancient Rome. Pliny’s uncle, Pliny the Elder, helped raise and educate him. Both were witnesses to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Both beers are rated A+ by BeerAdvocate, the Younger beer ranked as #1 of all popular beers among its tasters and the Elder is #3.