DBTB Episode 140: Live from Highland Brewing in Asheville, NC

“In a sign that the world is adapting to the pandemic, beer weeks are back and last week Asheville, North Carolina one of the great beer cities in America celebrated all of its breweries and producers.

I was fortunate to spend a day in the city capped off by a visit to Highland Brewing, which was founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong. Today the brewery is led by his daughter Leah Wong Ashburn.

Highland put in the hard work and laid the groundwork for the scene to come and today continues to make flavorful beers and welcome visitors to their expansive taproom and grounds that now feature a volleyball court.

This discussion was held in the brewery’s barrel room, which opened during the pandemic and hasn’t seen much use. But on this night where pints of Gaelic ale flowed and a crowd gathered to snack on bites from a local food truck, we could forget about the worries of the world for a few minutes and just enjoy some camaraderie.

I’m joined in hosting duties by Jon Page, he’s my long-time friend, the former managing editor of All About Beer and the photographer for The Craft Brewery Cookbook – which is on sale now – where books are sold.

This event was billed as a book signing, but I was more eager to hear from Leah and Oscar about the brewery, it’s legacy and future, and the family dynamics.

We were using hand held mics and as happens sometimes people moved them back and forth, bear with us.”

-John Holl

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Have you met Florida Man? It’s a modern Double IPA with a tropical expression from its blend of American hops, including Citra, Azacca, El Dorado, and Mandarina Bavarian, and is balanced by delicate peach esters from a unique Double IPA yeast and a dash of Canadian honey malt. Learn more about the hero of the sunshine by visiting CigarCityBrewing.com

Stomp Stickers
Stomp is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code BEEREDGE15 for 15% off your first order.

About Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly podcast gets to the bottom of every pint with brewers, growers, and industry leaders on all aspects of the brewing industry. From ingredients and process, to philosophy and the art in each beer, the podcast is hosted by long-time journalist John Holl and is available on all the major podcast platforms.

Beer Edge releases new episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer with John Holl every Wednesday.

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