Dick,
Sounds like a great day. The Stone brews can be high octane. That must have been quite a pre party tune up. I'm surprised they were able to get some Pliney way down there. It is hard to keep it stocked up here. Probably some inter-brewery trade dealing going on. Based on Beer Advocate's website and my own preferences, Stone and Russian River are by far making the best beers out there.
I do like the Oaked AB, but recently tasted a few I haven't had before. The Self Rightous Ale was a little too heavy for me, but I really enjoyed the Lucky Bastard. It is a blend of AB, Oaked AB, and Double B. DD, you should be able to get all of those in your neighborhood. If not, let me know and I'll get a supply plus some Pliney for the next gathering.
Pods, I once bought a bunch of Sierra Nevada's winter brew Celebration Ale with the intention of making it last all year. By midsummer it was turning nasty. So I'm not sure how well beer ages and can be kept for a vertical tasting. Is stone doing something special with these brews to make them last?