Asheville Beer News: Hi-Wire wins big at N.C. Brewer’s Cup, Highland Brewing to release anniversary IPA

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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hi-wire_brewing_logo_2013Here’s just some of the beer news happening around Asheville:

-Burial Beer: Thursday, Burial will have a limited amount of Winnower Raspberry Chocolate Stout on tap. Here’s the note from loyal reader Jess:

We are very excited about this special release that we are pouring on a limited basis at the taproom as it was brewed for upcoming/ out of town beer festivals. We will be pouring it this Thursday September 11.

Winnower Raspberry Chocolate Stout clocks in at 7.6%. We added 22lbs of fresh raspberries and chocolate fines from French Broad Chocolates. Chocolate fines are the unprocessed shells and nibs of the cocoa bean and tend to be on the sweet side.

-Hi-Wire Brewing: Hi-Wire just won several honors at this year’s N.C. Brewer’s Cup. Here’s the list, from loyal reader Adam:

Hi-Wire Brewing’s NC Brewer’s Cup medals:

GOLD 1st Place Best German Pilsner – HI-WIRE LAGER

SILVER 2nd Place Best Beer Overall – HI-WIRE LAGER

SILVER 2nd Place Best American Ale – PRIME TIME PALE ALE o 1st Place Sub-category Best American Pale Ale – PRIME TIME PALE ALE

SILVER 2nd Place Best German Wheat and Rye Beer – UPRISIN’ HEFEWEIZEN

BRONZE 3rd Place Best Smoke-Flavored and Wood-Aged Beer –

RINGMASTER’S RESERVE VOL. 1: RED WINE BARREL-AGED BELGIAN IPA

Other area breweries won awards, too. Andrews Brewing won bronze for its Double Arrowhead Red Imperial IPA, as well as an honorable mention for Happy Top Wheat. Innovation Brewing in Sylva won golds for its Whiskey Sour Flanders Red Ale, ESB and Black IPA. Innovation won a bronze for its Wildberry fruit beer. And Oskar Blues Brewing in Brevard won gold for its Old Chub Scotch Ale and bronze for its Ten FIDY Russian Imperial stout.

-Highland Brewing: On Sept. 27, Highland will host a “Crafted Kegs” event. Here are the details, from loyal reader Drew:

Craft beer meets Asheville’s craft community at Highland Brewing’s “Crafted Kegs” on Saturday, September 27. Nine non-profit art organizations each decorate a decommissioned (and yes, empty) keg, which will be displayed at the brewery. It’s an interactive event – everyone can help decorate a community keg and vote for their favorite kegs. The idea developed at Highland, with help from Kitty Love, Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council and Michael Mane, AAAC board member.

Two organizations will win $500 from either the People’s Choice or the Judge’s Choice award, both sponsored by Teague Campbell. Each attendee will receive a ticket to vote for a favorite keg, determining the People’s Choice winner. The judges’ panel is yet to be announced. All kegs will be displayed at Highland with information about each participating non-profit sometime after the event, for at least one year. The plans are set, according to Hospitality Manager Grant DaSantos, but not yet announced. “It’s going to take at least a year to set up,” he said.

Crafted Kegs is part of Highland’s 20th Anniversary celebration, marked by four major events this year, each tied to the introduction of a new anniversary beer. This event is part of the 20th Anniversary India Pale Ale release. ”I loved connecting with the Scots Irish heritage at our anniversary party, and the active community at our Night Flight race. The art community is part of the very definition of Asheville, so it feels right to try to honor it in our own way,” said Vice President Leah Wong Ashburn. “The last event is a multi-cultural celebration in December,” she added.

Crafted Kegs will take place in Highland’s meadow from 1pm-9pm, with winners announced at 7 pm. Guests will enjoy LEAF’s Easel Rider, live music by Laura Blackley, singing folk and soul from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, and locally made gelato. Mama Dukes and Vieux Carre will be on site serving delicious food.

There’s also this from Drew at Highland:

Hop heads, get ready. Highland Brewing Company is about to release its third “Big Batch” 20th Anniversary beer, an American-style India Pale Ale. On Friday, September 26, come celebrate Highland’s “twenty years of tasteful brewing” with the release of this bold new entry, packaged in kegs and 22oz bottles.
Hop-forward, yet balanced by a strong malt foundation, this ale pours deep golden in color. The beer also uses two experimental hop varieties, currently named EXP-05256 and EXP-07270, as well as Amarillo, sure to please even the boldest IPA drinkers. Look for notes of citrus and tropical fruits with a pleasant bitter finish. Brewer Jamie Rowe said, “We wanted this to be a playful IPA. Using experimental hops gave us the opportunity to branch out and try something a wee bit different for our 20th Anniversary.”

On the release date, Highland will open at 4pm. Gift boxes containing two bottles and two pint glasses will be available. Family owners Oscar Wong and Leah Wong Ashburn will sign the first 20 boxes. They’re easy to carry and great to give, if you’re willing.
Miss the Scotch Ale or Saison? As of press time, both are still available on tap and in bottles.
The release party will have live reggae music provided by Mystic Vibrations. Mama Dukes and Vieux Carre will be slinging delicious bites.

For details visit www.highlandbrewing.com
20th Anniversary India Pale Ale:
Malt: 2-Row, Briess Caramel, Best Malz Caramel
Hops: Amarillo, EXP-05256 & EXP-07270
ABV: 6%

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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