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. However, this was one of the few beers I've tried here that failed to impress. Next up was The Plumbus Berliner Weisse, a Berliner-style weissbier brewed with plumbs. That sure sounds nice! The Plumbus was tasty indeed, tart and refreshing and overtook Knotty Girl as the beer that would fill my growler. But wait! Still two more beers to try, and the next one up was Texana Imperial Stout. I just love imperial stouts, so it seemed like The Plumbus, good as it was, was in trouble.

Texana Imperial Stout has an alcohol content of 9.7% by volume and will run you $2.75 the half pint, $5.50 for a 10-ounce glass or $18.95 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 Texana Imperial Stout arrived jet-black in color with a light tan head and a strong cocoa nose. Taking a sip, the beer offers a smooth full mouthfeel, rich cocoa and licorice on the palate, dark chocolate, warming alcohol and a dry roasty finish. This beer reminded me of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, high praise indeed.

This was a delicious imperial stout and now the front runner for my growler fill. One more beer and then I had to decide, then off to the casino. Still and all, I was already a winner at Valley River Brewery!

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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