Corner Kitchen, and Chestnut, partner with many local farmers and vendors. Featuring local products like, jams, honey, mustard, gluten free desserts, meats, milk, cream, cheeses, eggs, hot sauces, beer, cider and so much more is incredibly important to us. Why? Because it stimulates our local economy and it tastes GREAT!
1. Give us the “origin story” for your operation
A retirement gone awry led to the birth of Asheville’s pioneer brewery. After 25 years in engineering, Highland Founder Oscar Wong sold his company and took a four-year break before going into the beer business. In 1994, Highland Brewing Company started operations in a basement with retrofitted dairy equipment, when downtown was largely deserted after 6pm. Today, Highland is the largest family-owned brewery native to the Southeast. The brewery is on a hilltop in East Asheville, where they host beer releases, tours, weddings, and live music in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Since 2015, Oscar’s daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, has served as President.
2. What is your list of products (within reason…)
Gaelic Ale, AVL IPA, Daycation IPA, Oatmeal Porter, Mandarina IPA, Pilsner, Black Mocha Stout, Cold Mountain, seasonals and other limited releases.
3. Where is your distribution range? Asheville? Regional?
The Southeast – VA to FL including TN and parts of KY.
4. Who are the important people in your organization?
Oscar – founder, Leah – second gen family owner and President/CEO, Chuck Whitehead – VP Business Development, Brock Ashburn – VP Operations
5. Any anecdotes about your crew?
Each year, we host Night Flight, an evening race at the brewery that raises money for local greenways. Our solar array is the 3rd largest of any US craft brewer.
6. What’s next for you and your company?
2019 is our 25th anniversary! Which means: More. Great. Beer. We’ve got big plans onsite and for our Southeastern market!
