PTE is a Double IPA and that is my preferred style of beer. Before this beer, my go to DIPA's were Arrogant Bastard, Hop Stoopid, and 395. So if you are a DIPA drinker, PTE will work for you. But if your prefered style is something else, say a stout, Porter, or whatever, then you probably will still wonder what the hype is about even after tasting a Pliney. My guess is the only reason it is Beer Advocate's #1 beer is because DIPA's are the most popular style so it gets the most votes. Not necessarily the best beer, just the most popular.
As to availablility. It is made by Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa, CA. The owner refuses to increase production despite the cult status. Within the locality of the brewery (Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma), you can find it pretty regularly at Whole Foods. Outside of that, distributers bring only one to two cases a month to stores. Stores near me keep it in back when it arrives. You have to ask for it and, if they have it, they limit you to two bottles. Really, it is that crazy. I was in Napa the week befor Expo and planned to pick some up but struck out.
BTW, they also make a Pliney the Younger. Only one batch is brewed in the first week of February each year. Sold only at the pub in pints, no growlers. When it is out, no more until next year. The average wait for a table when it is available is about two hours.
I hear ya Ted, thanks. I'm a fan of DIPA's, love Arrogant Bastard, Hopstoopid, Racer X and the like (of course I also love porters and stouts too!) It's all a matter of taste as it is with wines. Time will tell if it really is "that good". I'm bound to mooch one off of one of you guys eventually if I can't find it myslef