So there we were, on the way to Harrah’s (fairly) new casino in Murphy, North Carolina when we saw the sign for Valley River Brewery. It’s hard to go anywhere these days without finding a brewery nearby, and this one is only 3 miles from the casino. That visit was a daytrip, so I didn’t get to stop by the brewery. Worry not though, dear reader, a few weeks later we were back in Murphy and Valley River Brewery was my first target.

Valley River Brewery is a brewpub in downtown Murphy, tucked away on a side street amidst several restaurants and shops. I got there around 7PM on a Wednesday night, and they were one of the few businesses open. Valley River Brewery offers pub fare at reasonable prices, beer for on premises consumption, and beer to go in growlers. They now have a second location in Hayesville, North Carolina.

All the prices were reasonable and the beers very enjoyable with an old-world English flare. The atmosphere was small-town southern, homey and welcoming.  The bar staff was knowledgeable and offered up suggestions (I chose not to betray my familiarity with beer just to see what they would recommend). I chose the nachos to munch on as I had not had dinner but also didn’t want anything too heavy.

For $7.95, you can get corn tortilla chips or homemade wheat tortilla chips topped with burger, cheese sauce, onion, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeno. The portion was large and I could only eat about half, taking the rest back to the hotel for later. My daughter asked me to bring her back a soft pretzel for $3.95, which came with a tub of tasty pub cheese.

I enjoyed a sampler of four beers ($5) and a fifth sample that was on the house. Third up was Ducktown Porter, a porter in the English style, which like most of the beers was $4.50 a pint or $2.25 for a half pint. It was on the higher side of alcohol strength for an English porter at 5.8% by volume. I liked that they don’t upcharge on the half pints. Even the samplers, at $5 for 4 times 4 ounces, are only 50 cents more than a pint. A 64-ounce growler fill of Ducktown Porter is $14.95.

My sample of Valley River Brewery Ducktown Porter arrived jet-black in color with a small white cap of foam and an inviting roasted chicory nose. Taking a sip, I got a smooth body with roasted malts and chocolate and a delightful balancing, gently bitter grassy hop finish with a bit or roast as well. Perhaps a little stronger than an English porter in flavor and alcoholic strength, but still what I would call a brown porter and not a robust one.

I very much enjoyed this beer and my visit to Valley River Brewery. I know I’ll be back, and if you’re in the area, you definitely should check them out. It's a nice break from the limited beer choices at the casino. Be sure to tell them the Bruguru sent you.

Update 8/12/2018: Valley River Duck Town Porter, this time in proper quantity. Filled my Drink Tank Monday for $14.95. First pour right after popping, second after adding the draft cap and charging with CO2. Such a beautiful English porter, soft roasty with hints of licorice, chocolate and raisin.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler

 

 

 



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