I was in Murphy North Carolina, and whenever I’m in Murphy, I make it a point to stop at the loc al Ingles to bring home some wonderful North Carolina craft beer. I’m always happy to see beers from Pisgah Brewing in the display case, and one of the six-packs I took home was indeed a Pisgah beer: Turtleback Brown Ale.

Pisgah says:

Named for the waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, a hint of organic chocolate malt lends this classic brown ale a medium caramel infused body with a deep mahogany color. A malt forward presence showcases Pisgah’s line of organic ingredients while leaving this beer remarkably drinkable.

This is indeed a delightfully malty beer, and I adore that, but was disappointed to see that Pisgah does not list the grain bill on their website. They do mention the hops though (Nugget and Tettnang). Not fair!

Pisgah Turtleback Brown Ale has an alcohol content of 5.9% by volume and I paid $11.99 for my six-pack from Ingles. Not a bad price these days. Pisgah says the beer has 22.97 IBUs, but that’s close enough to 23 as makes no odds. My cans are stamped 05/28/24 on the bottom.

Pisgah Turtleback Brown Ale pours to a deep mahogany color with a moderate head of creamy foam and a nose of soft cookie malts. It should be noted I described the color exactly as Pisgah did, before reading their description. Not that that is any great accomplishment mind you, the beer is deep mahogany ion color. I jus didn’t want you to think I copied them.

Taking a sip, the beer is chewy like a cookie, fudgy like a brownie, and toasty nutty malty. It’s nicely balanced with the gentlest kisses of grassy hops.

Very tasty and very drinkable, Pisgah Turtleneck Brown Ale is a very welcome visit to a classic style. In a world obsessed with hazy IPAs, weirdo stouts and fruited sours, this makes me very happy indeed.