Cascade Barley Wine

Review Date 3/22/2026 By John Staradumsky

  Style: Barley Wine   Brewery: Valley River   Country: USA   State: North Carolina   $ Per OZ: $.60 (D)   ABV: 13%

“The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray”-Robert Burns.

I can’t speak for the mice, but my own best laid plans went astray recently. We were spending the night at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River casino, and now that downtown Murphy has two breweries, my plan was to take Uber or Lyft there and back. I would then hit one of my very favorite breweries of all, Valley River, for a bite and a few brews, then stop by Buck Bald Brewing for a brew or two more.

This plan, however, went off the rails when there were no drivers available from either rideshare service. I was surprised; it was about 3PM on a Thursday afternoon, and I expected a wait, but not no drivers at all. So, I figured that I would take the Electricar and drive. I did want to charge it anyway, and since all the working free EV chargers were in use, I decided I would reduce my beer intake while I put my Blazer on the fast charger.

First stop was, of course, Valley River Brewery, where I enjoyed a Dawn Mild, a solid choice as it is delicious and just 4% ABV. It was delightful as usual with pork and veggie spring rolls for $7.95, which they served with a tangy sweet chili sauce. I accidentally popped the top off this ending up with a large amount of sauce on my egg rolls, but this made them all the more tasty.

Another pint of modest strength here, I thought, one like that at Buck Bald, and I would head back.

And then I saw it.

Valley River Cascade Barleywine. The holy grail of Valley River beers. I come here every time I am in Murphy (unless it is a Tuesday or Wednesday, when they are closed). I have always wanted to try the Cascade Barleywine, but it has never been on tap while I was there. Yet, here it was, and no way I was going to pass on it. Had I brough my growler, I would have filled it with this wonderful beer.

Valley River Cascade Barleywine was listed at 13% alcohol by volume when I visited. It was going for $7 for a 10-ounce glass, but on Thursdays beers are $1 off so I paid $6. My pint of Dawn Mild was just $5.50 with the discount. Where can you get a wonderful English mild for just over $5 a pint these days? Other than Valley River Brewery, I don’t know of anywhere.  

My glass of Valley River Cascade Barleywine arrived a brilliant amber color with a thick fluffy white head and a nose of sweet caramel malt and grassy hops. Taking a sip the beer is full in body with rich caramel malt and decadent notes of fruit cake, candied citrus, a hint of dark fruit raisin, and in the finish warming alcohol and massively bitter herbal hops. The beer is permeated with hops and spice cake notes, and it was truly wonderful indeed.

I never did make it to Valley River Brewing, I had had enough since I was driving. Not to worry, though, as the Brew Brothers restaurant and pub at the casino had Buck Bald Shesquatch Scottish Ale on tap, which I enjoyed while playing the Monty Python slot machines. One Holy Grail after another that day.

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??