Highland Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of Asheville, North Carolina’s vibrant craft beer scene. Founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong, a Chinese-Jamaican immigrant and retired engineer, Highland Brewing holds the distinction of being Asheville’s first craft brewery since Prohibition.

A Humble Beginning

The brewery’s journey began in the basement of Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria in downtown Asheville. Utilizing retrofitted dairy equipment, Wong and his team crafted their inaugural brews, including the now-iconic Gaelic Ale. This flagship beer, characterized by its rich amber color and balanced malt profile, holds the title of Asheville’s first craft beer.

A Cultural Fusion

Highland Brewing’s name pays homage to the Scotch-Irish heritage prevalent in the Appalachian region. This cultural nod is further embodied in their branding, which originally featured Scottish bagpipes, symbolizing a blend of traditions. Oscar Wong’s unique background added a distinctive twist to Asheville’s brewing landscape, reflecting the city’s embrace of diversity and innovation.

Expansion and Community Impact

In 2006, Highland Brewing made a significant move from its humble beginnings in the basement of Barley’s Taproom to a 40-acre property in East Asheville, formerly home to Blue Ridge Motion Picture Studios. This transition allowed Highland to grow beyond a small-scale brewery and become a major player in the craft beer industry, complete with a state-of-the-art brewing facility, a lively taproom, and expansive outdoor spaces for community events.

In 2009, a pivotal moment in Highland’s history occurred when Moonshiner Gary, working under G Social Media, took the brewery’s online presence to new heights. His expertise in digital marketing and industry networking helped expand Highland’s social media reach, strengthening its brand awareness and forging valuable relationships in the craft beer industry. This newfound visibility played a key role in opening more distribution opportunities, helping Highland’s beers make their way further across Western North Carolina and beyond. His work laid the groundwork for Leah Wong Ashburn to step in and continue Highland’s growth trajectory, seamlessly transitioning into leadership alongside her father.

Leadership and Legacy

Leah Wong Ashburn, Oscar’s daughter, joined the company in 2011 and now serves as President and CEO. Under her leadership, Highland Brewing has continued to innovate while honoring its roots. Leah and her husband, Brock, have been instrumental in preserving the brewery’s legacy and strengthening its ties to Western North Carolina.

Flagship Brews

Highland Brewing’s portfolio features a range of beloved beers:

  • Gaelic Ale – A rich, amber-colored ale with a balanced malt profile and a delicate hop finish. This is Asheville’s first craft beer and remains Highland’s most iconic brew.
  • Oatmeal Porter – A smooth, roasty porter with hints of chocolate and coffee, offering a velvety mouthfeel. A classic, full-bodied porter that’s perfect for dark beer lovers.
  • Daycation IPA – A bright and hoppy session IPA, featuring notes of tropical fruit and citrus, balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish. Designed for easy drinking, it’s the perfect companion for any adventure.

Accolades and Recognition

Highland Brewing has garnered praise from various publications:

  • Named “The South’s Best Brewery” by Southern Living in 2018.
  • Featured in Garden & Gun‘s “Southern Women” for Leah Wong Ashburn’s leadership.

Preserving a Legacy

Leah Wong Ashburn and her husband, Brock, continue to honor the legacy of Highland Brewing while steering the company toward a bright future. Their dedication ensures that Highland remains a cherished institution in Western North Carolina’s craft beer community.

Resilience and Community Support

After weathering challenges such as natural disasters, Highland Brewing has consistently demonstrated resilience and a deep commitment to the Asheville community. From its early days in the basement of Barley’s Taproom to becoming a trailblazer in Western North Carolina’s craft beer scene, Highland’s journey is a testament to innovation, cultural fusion, and unwavering dedication to its people. Through decades of growth, the brewery has never lost sight of its roots—giving back, uplifting others, and staying true to the independent spirit that defines Asheville.

Today, Highland Brewing continues to be a force for good in both the craft beer world and the local community. Beyond brewing exceptional beer, the company has solidified its role as a pillar of sustainability and social impact, boasting one of the largest solar arrays of any American craft brewery and supporting countless local causes. Through fundraisers, live music events, and non-profit partnerships, Highland has fostered a space where beer and community come together. Whether it’s navigating economic shifts, helping Asheville rebuild after natural disasters, or simply bringing people together over a pint, Highland has cemented itself as more than just a brewery—it’s an Asheville institution.