Highland Brewing Co., Asheville, N.C., celebrated its 25th anniversary by mashing in a new collaboration brew – Rustic IPA – alongside Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and independent, family-owned hop and malt suppliers including Riverbend Malthouse, Briess Malting, Crosby Hop Farms, Roy Farms and CLS Farms.
Rustic IPA blends experimental hops like Motueka, Zappa, Azacca and Strata that lend notes of tropical fruit and lemongrass to the brew. Fruity hop character is accentuated by a soft, hazy malt bill featuring flaked oats, rye, pilsner malt and wheat. At 5.8% ABV and 45 IBUs, this beer is a balanced showcase for the best of innovation and tradition from each of the collaborators.
“Good businesses are built on relationships and we genuinely enjoy and are proud of our relationships with Sierra Nevada and these suppliers,” said family-owner and president of Highland Brewing, “Brian Grossman (family-owner and second-generation brewer for Sierra Nevada in Mills River, N.C.) and I are in a small group of second-generation family leaders in craft beer and we intend to build a sustainable future for both our breweries. This collaboration beer celebrates that future.”