Highland Brewing Company is proud to announce its 30th anniversary on May 4th, 2024. In 1994, Chinese-Jamaican immigrant Oscar Wong began Highland Brewing the basement of Barley’s in downtown Asheville, brewing beer with refurbished dairy equipment and bottling it by hand. “The community support and attendant growth of Highland far exceeded my expectations,” says Wong.
“My dream of a quiet local brewery serving as a personal watering hole was leveled up by competition and the strong support of discerning customers. Both of these aspects fueled Highland’s changing ambitions and the national recognition of our area.”
Highland Brewing invites the community to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a week-long celebration from April 28 to May 5, culminating in the Big Bash on May 4, 2024. Fans of Highland can expect throwback beers and brand new releases, as well as a robust selection of events, including a panel discussion and tasting with family owners, a 90s dance party, and more.
The Big Bash (Saturday, May 4 at Highland Brewing)
Highland’s headlining event for the 30th anniversary will feature new beer releases, throwback beers pulled from the vault, and an immersive Heritage Hall that allows customers to journey through the archives Highland, a 90s photo booth, face painting, and more. Live music can be enjoyed by The Wilson Springs Hotel and Rainy Eyes while enjoying fare from six local food trucks, including Bun Intended and Ben’s Backdraft BBQ. A special VIP experience is also available for purchase.
New Releases
- OG Dub IPA | 8.5% ABV | 500ML – Named for founder Oscar Wong, lovingly referred to as OPW by Highland staff, this highly limited bottled IPA is available only at the brewery.
- The Long Game Tropical Lager | 4.8% ABV – Highland’s 30th anniversary release is available in stores through the southeast starting April 28th. This tropical lager is available on draft and in 6-packs for customers to take home at the brewery on May 4th.
Throwback Draft Beers
- St Terese’s Pale Ale | ABV 5.1% This is a classic example of an American Pale Ale, bursting with zesty grapefruit flavor, bright citrus, and soft floral spicy notes.
- Little Hump Session IPA | ABV 4.5% A crisp and clean easy-drinking ale with complex aromas of stone fruit, pine, and citrus zest and a lovely floral springtime vibe.
- Devil’s Britches Imperial Red Ale | ABV 7.5%
Sweet and hoppy with balanced malt, this ale has a clean and bright bitterness with aromas of cherry and pine. - Mandarina IPA | ABV 5%
A sherbert-like IPA with notes of orange creamsicle. Expect aromas of light vanilla, balanced malt character, and citrus.
- Frisbeers + 30 Years Doubles Disc Golf Tournament (Sunday, April 28th | 8:30am – 2:30pm)
- Highland Brewing Trivia with Family Owner Guest Bartenders (Monday, April 29th | 6 – 8pm)
- Making History: Panel Discussion + Tasting With Family Owners (Tuesday, April 30th | 6 – 8pm)
- Well Crafted Music Series with Matt Smith, Graham Sharp and Seth Kauffman (Wednesday, May 1st | 6 – 8pm)
- Oscar Wong Throws Asheville Tourists First Pitch (Friday, May 3rd | 6:35pm)
- (Dance) Party Like It’s 1994 (Friday, May 3rd | 7 – 10pm)
- Drag Music Bingo with Divine the Bearded Lady (Friday, May 3rd | 7:30 – 9:30pm | Downtown Taproom)
- Cinco De Mayo Brunch ( Sunday, May 5th | 11:30am – 7pm | Downtown Taproom)
The event week commemorates Highland’s past and bright future under second-generation family-owner, Leah Wong Ashburn, whose father Oscar Wong handed the reins to in 2015.
“We named our 30th anniversary beer The Long Game to capture the spirit of Highland Brewing’s tenacity over the decades,” said Wong Ashburn, President and CEO of Highland Brewing.
“Short games lead to short gains. To better ensure the livelihoods of our employees and contribute to the vitality of our city today and tomorrow, we still aim for lasting impact.”
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