A newbie, a novice, and an expert walk into a bar. No this isn't the start of a bad joke. It's the true story of three friends and a recent trip to Koi Pond Brewery in Rocky Mount, NC. On our way back from the beach this past summer we had planned to stop in Nash County. Leslie had heard of some shops there she wanted to visit, I was dying to check out the growing craft beer scene and Katy, as always, needed to go to the bathroom. Since it was around beer thirty, we decided to hit Rocky Mount Mills first.
Right off I-64, Rocky Mount Mills is the region's largest beer incubator. It's located in a renovated cotton mill, the second oldest in the state, and is home to several restaurants, the world's largest tiny house hotel, and about five of the state's best breweries, including Koi Pond. It's obvious that this place champions the art of craft beer because not only do its brewmasters congregate, innovate and collaborate to create great tasting beer but the incubator also partners with Nash Community college to teach classes on it! Cut to every college student in America wishing for a similar class to be offered at their school.
We parked the car and headed into a local restaurant called the Tipsy tomato (aptly named) for a quick bite (Bianca pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh garlic). And after discussing how we would've aced a beer course at UNC, we headed next door to sample some legendary craft beer at Koi Pond.
Koi Pond was the very first brewery in Rocky Mount. It's just a stumble away from the Tipsy Tomato in a historic mill house that dates back to 1835. From the front, it looks more "Southern cottage" than brewpub. But when you walk around to the back, there's a large outdoor area complete with picnic tables, benches, and yard games like corn hole and a giant Connect Four. There are even water bowls around which means it's also pupper-friendly (a huge plus!).
Inside, the mix of historic architecture and koi fish illustrations give off an intimate, eclectic vibe. That coupled with the tobacco leaf artisan tables made this the perfect home for the unexpected flavor combinations and brews we were about to discover.
We headed up to the bar and started up a conversation with the bartender who turned out to be one of the owners, Josh Parvin. Before getting into questions about the beer and our orders, I had to ask what made them name a brewery after a fish. Josh smiled, as if he gets this question a lot, and explained that one of the owners has a tattoo of two koi fish on his arm (representing his two sons.) Liking the idea of "koi" being part of the name, they did a little research and learned that these fish never let obstacles stop them from reaching their goal and they actually thrive in muddy waters. The parallel between koi and the owners, whose mission was to create new and interesting beers regardless of any challenges they may face, was uncanny. And since they wanted their beer to bring people together in one communal setting, the name Koi Pond was an obvious choice. Locals also affectionately refer to the brewery as just "the pond" which makes it even more perfect.
The secret to Koi Pond's success is its desire to be different. They offer customers something new with each visit and an ever-changing menu of pale ales, IPAs, Stouts, Sours, and my personal favorites: Saisons, Wits, and Hefeweizens. The brewmasters here pride themselves on using local ingredients to create unique flavors while nodding to the history of Eastern N.C. They even craft beers to complement the seasons. For example, in the warmer months, you'll notice flavors like basil, cucumber, and various fruits are used to create beer that compliments your flip flops and Bermuda shorts, and richer, more robust ingredients like chocolate and ginger create some of the heavier stouts and ales that are perfect for poncho and beanie weather. No matter when you visit, there is always a reason for your tastebuds to be curious and for you to come back and imbibe.
Josh was super knowledgeable about beer and knew exactly what to ask each of us to match us to the perfect brew. I like wheat beers so felt pretty confident that I would like his recommendation of Voodoo Wit. It's a blood orange Witbier with spices and the minute it hit my tastebuds I was in love! For my friends who don't know as much about craft beer, he asked several questions including flavors they prefer over others and what domestic beers they like or dislike. After hearing their answers, he recommended their top seller, Falls Road Golden Kolsch to Leslie because it's the lightest beer they make (and the closest to Bud Light) and for Katy, my friend who's afraid of commitment, a flight so she could sample four different beers before narrowing down her options. Regardless of where you are in your craft beer journey, there is no intimidation and no judgment. Between the variety of options and the informative staff, you're bound to find a craft beer you like.
So next time you're in the mood for a fun outing, come on down and expand your craft beer palate at Koi Pond. Enjoy an Angry Squirrel or Bozo Brown while playing some trivia or listening to some great local music. Hang out with your friends and dog while playing corn hole. Grab some snacks at the bar or bring food from the fabulous other restaurants at Rocky Mount Mills to nosh on. I guarantee it's a good time with good people and the perfect place to hang out with fellow beer lovers.
My friends and I left with a new appreciation and knowledge for craft beer (no more newbies in this squad!) We met some new friends, made great memories, and are still fighting over who won our epic Connect Four battle. (P.S. it was me.)
Koi Pond is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 2 p.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.