Highland Brewing Co. to Release 15th Anniversary Ale

(From Bruisin' Ales)

Highland Announces Release of 15^th Anniversary Ale

Asheville, NC—Celebrating 15 years as Asheville’s first and most successful brewery, Highland Brewing Company announced today the December 15^th release of its latest seasonal, Auld Asheville Vintage Ale. Oscar Wong, founder and President of Highland, indicated that the name and label pays homage to the Scots Irish heritage of Highland’s mountain home. It is a style made famous by British brewers with their holiday offerings of old ales.

According to John Lyda, Highland’s Head Brewer, Auld Asheville Vintage Ale is a high gravity ale in the style of “Old Ales” or ‘English Strong” ales which are traditionally released just prior to the holidays. Contributing to the beer’s complexity is the use of three different yeast strains, two of which were imported from England. Because of the hopping levels, alcohol content, and the completeness of its attenuation with time in the tanks, “the product should cellar incredibly well and increase in complexity for at least the next year.”

Its taste is described as “having a bold profile from fine British Malts, woody and estery aromas from traditional British Ale yeast, and bittering from Styrian Bobek hops. The addition of Sterling hops provides a hint of spiciness in the nose.

Highland will host an Auld Asheville Vintage Ale open house kickoff party at its facility at 12 Old Charlotte Highway on December 18^th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Live entertainment provided by Asheville’s Funknastics band, with food by Barley’s Tap Room and Pizzeria. Barley’s is also celebrating its 15^th anniversary

Jimmy Rentz, owner of Barley’s and one of Highland’s original supporters, said “We are pleased to join Highland is celebrating both our 15^th anniversaries. Highland set the standard for all the craft brewers who have followed them in Asheville. We’d like to think that Barley’s has also set a great standard in town by offering the best Craft beer selection in the region, including Highland beers."

Auld Asheville Vintage Ale will be available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft in local restaurants and retail outlets beginning December 20^th.