Highland Brewing celebrates 30 years with Big Bash, classic beers, disc golf, more
ASHEVILLE - Highland Brewing, the craft brewery that laid the foundation for Asheville’s beer industry, is turning 30 years old and the founding family is holding nothing back for its anniversary celebration.
From April 28 to May 5, several new and throwback beer releases, a 90’s dance party, music showcase and other communal activities and events are planned for the weeklong series, and it all kicks off with a doubles disc golf tournament.
In 1994, Oscar Wong, a retired engineer and Chinese-Jamaican immigrant, began brewing beer from the basement of Barley’s in downtown Asheville. The small-scale production flourished, blazing a trail for other breweries, turning the city into a mecca of craft beverages.
Join Highland Brewing’s family and friends for a communitywide bash at the brewery’s main campus and downtown taproom (56 Patton Ave.). And catch Wong making the opening pitch at an Asheville Tourists baseball game at McCormick Field.
Highland Brewing’s anniversary events
All events are at Highland Brewing's main taproom at 12 Old Charlotte Highway unless noted otherwise.
April 28. Frisbeers + 30 Years Doubles Disc Golf Tournament from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
April 29. Highland Brewing trivia with the family owners standing in as guest bartenders from 6-8 p.m.
April 30. Making History: Sip Through Fabled Stories and Future Scenes, a panel discussion and tasting with family owners from 6-8 p.m.
May 1. Well Crafted Music Series with Matt Smith, Graham Sharp and Seth Kauffman from 6-8 p.m.
May 3. Highland Brewing founder Oscar Wong throws Asheville Tourists first pitch at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Place.
May 3. (Dance) Party Like It’s 1994 from 7-10 p.m.
May 3. Drag Music Bingo with Divine the Bearded Lady from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Highland’s Downtown Taproom in The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave.
May 4. The Big Bash, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Highland’s headlining event will feature new beer releases, throwback beers, a 90s-themed photo booth, face painting and more. Take a stroll through the immersive Heritage Hall archives exhibit. And dance to 90s tunes spun by DJ Molly Part and live music performed by The Wilson Springs Hotel and Rainy Eyes. Purchase food from six local food trucks, including Bun Intended and Ben’s Backdraft BBQ. Parking is limited and $10 per vehicle; ridesharing is recommended.
May 4. Party Like It’s 1994, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., is free to the public but includes a special VIP experience (ages 21 and up) that includes rooftop and mezzanine access, a meet + greet with Highland owners Leah Wong Ashburn and Oscar Wong, a hand-signed DIPA bottle from Oscar Wong, silo cabana access, free parking and more. VIP tickets are $94 each. Tickets are limited and available for purchase at highlandbrewing.com/30thvip/.
May 5. Cinco De Mayo Brunch from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Downtown Taproom.
Highland Brewing’s anniversary week beer releases
Highland is marking the occasion with new beer releases and the return of several throwback favorites from over the decades.
The new releases:
OG Dub IPA. The highly limited 500ML bottled IPA ― fewer than 100 ― will be available only at the brewery, released on May 4 at The Big Bash. It’s named after founder Oscar Wong and the Highland staff “lovingly” refers to it as OPW in his honor. 8.5% ABV
The Long Game Tropical Lager. Highland's 30th anniversary release, the tropical lager will be available in stores throughout the Southeast as early as April 28. Beginning May 4, it will be available on draft and in 6-packs at the brewery. 4.8% ABV
“We named our 30th anniversary beer The Long Game to capture the spirit of Highland Brewing’s tenacity over the decades,” Leah Wong Ashburn, president and CEO of Highland Brewing said in a news release. “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.”
Throwback draft beers:
St. Terese's Pale Ale. The American Pale Ale features a zesty grapefruit flavor, bright citrus, and soft floral spicy notes. 5.1% ABV
Little Hump Session IPA. Brewed to exude a “lovely floral springtime vibe,” the Imperial Pale Ale demonstrates complex aromas of stone fruit, pine and citrus zest and is considered a crisp, clean easy-drinking ale. 4.5% ABV
Devil's Britches Imperial Red Ale. The sweet, hoppy and balanced malt gives off aromas of cherry and pine and a clean and bright bitterness. 7.5% ABV
Mandarina IPA. Treat yourself to a dessert beer reminiscent of sherbet with notes of orange creamsicle and aromas of light vanilla, balanced malt character and citrus. 5% ABV.
Highland Brewing's 30th-anniversary celebration
Where: Various locations
When: April 28-May 5
Info: For more, visit highlandbrewing.com/30th-anniversary/ and follow at @highlandbrewing.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Highland Brewing's 30th anniversary Big Bash, beer releases, more
