First Legal Brew in Joco

MM's job sometimes takes to parts of Central NC that we may not usually traverse.  So one day, we end up in Smithfield, about 45 minutes southeast of Raleigh, in Johnston County, or as it's known, JoCo.  JoCo is what you would expect out of a county in the south, not one infiltrated by us yankee types.  So I volunteer to go to Smithfield on one condition - that we stop on our way home at the new brewery that popped up in Clayton, the town near the border of Johnston and Wake counties (Wake being where Raleigh resides).

We find this brewery nestled in an industrial area just outside the downtown Clayton area, and it's a simple setup - a bar, with 4 brewing tanks behind and plenty of room to grow.  Their claim is that they are the first "legal" brew in Johnston County...paying homage to the fine art of moonshine.

The owners Paul and Lynn are from upstate NY, so immediately I am obligated to like them.  However, their beer speaks for itself.  Of their every day beers, I enjoy their Riverbank Rye-It, a Rye IPA.  Their First Run IPA is not too hoppy, but smooth and delicious.  Other offerings such as the 4042 Stout and Twisted River Wit are great brews.  Paul is also willing to experiment, such as his Bourbon Infused Stout, and my current favorite for summer, Double D's Watermelon Lager.  Our bartender recommended a half Rye-It, half IPA.  It is MM and staff approved.

North Carolina has become a hotbed for breweries, as craft giants such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium make their way into the state.  However, small brewers like Paul and Lynn make this the true beer haven that it is.  A weekend with a pint, some music, and the food truck du jour make the 30 minute trek into JoCo so worth the drive.

Deep River Brewing Company
700 W. Main Street
Clayton NC 27520
www.deepriverbrewing.com