As the end of 2018 rapidly approaches, I took stock of remaining vacation time and found myself with a few weeks yet to be used. I designated the first week in November for one of them, and though we did not plan any major travel, a day trip to Murphy, North Carolina was on the agenda. A night at Harrah’s Valley River Casino and of course, a stop at Valley River Brewery for a few beers.
I stop here every time we’re in Murphy; it’s a scant few miles from the Casino and the beers are very tasty. I got a sampler of four beers and a cup of delicious Cabbage and Sausage soup to enjoy whilst I decided which beer on tap would fill my growler to take home to Canton.
The leading candidate was Knotty Girl Pumpkin Ale. I love pumpkin ales, and perusing the Valley River Brewery website before my visit I was very excited about it. The beer has an alcohol content of 6.3% by volume and will run you $2.25 the half pint, $4.50 a pint or $14.95 for a growler fill.
As I enjoyed my beers, I chatted a bit with the bartender, who I found out is a transplanted Rhode Islander (like me!). The air was filled with the heady aroma of wort as it was a brewing day. Life is good!
My sampler of Valley River Knotty Girl Pumpkin Ale arrived an almost pumpkin colored orange in appearance with a light cap of foam and a little pumpkin in the nose. Taking a sip, I got more pumpkin in the palate, perhaps allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon notes, and dry spice in the finish.
I thought this beer could use more malt, more spice and more pumpkin. It was not the best beer I have had here for sure. I would try it again next year to see if it changes, but I decided against a growler. I still had three more beers to try, however, to see what I would bring home. Next up? The Plumbus Berliner Weisse.
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