Asheville: Highland Brewing through the Years
Asheville, North Carolina, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and craft beer culture, is home to Highland Brewing, the city’s oldest brewery. Since its founding in 1994, Highland Brewing has played a significant role in shaping the craft beer landscape in Asheville and beyond. Let’s take a journey through the years to explore the history and evolution of this iconic brewery.
1990s: The Birth of Highland Brewing
In 1994, Highland Brewing was founded by Oscar Wong, a retired engineer who wanted to bring quality craft beer to Asheville. Initially operating out of a basement, Highland Brewing quickly gained a loyal following for its innovative brews and commitment to sustainability. The brewery’s flagship beer, Gaelic Ale, became an instant hit and set the stage for future success.
2000s: Expansion and Recognition
As demand for Highland Brewing’s beers grew, the brewery underwent a series of expansions to increase production capacity and reach a wider audience. In 2006, Highland Brewing moved to its current location in Asheville’s East End neighborhood, where it continues to serve as a hub for beer lovers and community events. During this decade, Highland Brewing also started receiving national recognition for its beers, winning medals at prestigious competitions and solidifying its reputation as a top craft brewery.
2010s: Innovation and Collaboration
The 2010s marked a period of innovation and collaboration for Highland Brewing. The brewery launched new beers that pushed the boundaries of traditional styles and experimented with barrel-aging and souring techniques. Highland Brewing also forged partnerships with local farmers, artists, and musicians to create unique experiences for its visitors. In 2015, Highland Brewing introduced the “Cold Mountain Winter Ale,” a seasonal favorite that has since become a sought-after release each year.
2020s: Navigating Challenges and Looking Towards the Future
The 2020s brought unforeseen challenges for Highland Brewing and the craft beer industry as a whole. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the brewery to adapt its operations, shifting to online sales, curbside pickup, and outdoor events to ensure the safety of its staff and customers. Despite these obstacles, Highland Brewing remained resilient and continued to brew exceptional beers that brought joy to beer enthusiasts during difficult times.
The Future of Highland Brewing
Looking ahead, Highland Brewing shows no signs of slowing down. The brewery remains committed to its core values of quality, sustainability, and community engagement. With plans for new beer releases, collaborations, and events on the horizon, Highland Brewing continues to be a driving force in Asheville’s craft beer scene.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Highland Brewing or new to the craft beer world, one thing is clear: this iconic brewery has left an indelible mark on Asheville and the wider brewing community. Cheers to Highland Brewing and the memorable moments yet to come!
