Started by retired civil/structural engineer Oscar Wong in 1994, Highland Brewing Company became Asheville, North Carolina’s first legal brewer since Prohibition. He started Highland Brewing “as a hobby” in the 3,500 square foot basement of Barley’s Taproom in downtown Asheville using mostly retrofitted dairy equipment.

In October 2006, Highland Brewing Company moved operations to a larger facility in east Asheville that once housed a movie production studio. Today, Highland Brewing has the capacity to brew over 60,000 barrels annually with room to grow. Highland Brewing brand beers are distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky.

Located in east Asheville, Highland Brewing occupies a facility that once housed a movie studio.

Known as the “Father of Asheville Craft Beer”, Wong pioneered a craft beer movement that resulted in Asheville becoming the craft beer capital of the Southeast. This year Oscar Wong received the Brewers Association Recognition Award for his many contributions to the craft brewing movement.

Highland founder, Oscar Wong, was born in Jamaica in 1940. He completed his Masters in Civil/Structural Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Photograph for educational purposes thanks to the courtesy of Highland Brewing Company and Cole + Rian (www.facebook.com/colerian).

Oscar’s daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, took over as President of Highland Brewing in 2015. And today she also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As a result of her leadership, Highland is the 5th largest female-led craft brewery in the U.S.

Leah worked in the printing industry for 15 years before joining the brewery in 2011. Photograph courtesy of Highland Brewing Company.

Highland operates a 50-bbl brewhouse with 27 fermenters and 7 brite tanks. A 3-barrel pilot system allows for brewing R&D as well as collaborations. In addition, they have state-of-the-art bottling and canning equipment.

The brewing and production facilities at Highland are large and impressive.

Highland Brewing’s Gaelic Ale was their first beer. It is their largest seller, accounting for about half of the brewery’s total production. This amber ale features a rich malty flavor.

Expansive indoor and outdoor seating provide ample opportunity to enjoy visiting Highland while maintaining safe social distancing (please refer to Highland’s website for their operations status). Moreover, a partially covered rooftop patio provides a spectacular view of the area.

Certainly take the time to enjoy the wide range of seating venues at Highland Brewing Company.

Above all if you are ever in Asheville, Highland Brewing Company is a must visit!