Highland Brewing Company Releases Highland Pilsner on Draft; Cans to Follow in May

Highland Brewing Company Releases Highland Pilsner on Draft; Cans to Follow in May

New Recipe Available Year-Round

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (April 12, 2016) – Last week, Highland Brewing Company released Highland Pilsner, its second new year-round beer of 2016. Highland Pilsner is available now on draft at select retail locations throughout its nine-state footprint and will debut in six-pack cans in mid-May.   

Developed by Head Brewer Hollie Stephenson and the brewing team, Highland Pilsner features German Hallertau Blanc hops and three other Hallertau region varietals. Saphir, Perle, and Hersbrucker hops add notes of stone fruit, pepper, and lush grass to the German pilsner malt body. It is cold fermented with lager yeast for a crisp, dry finish. 

“Our Pilsner uses four different Hallertau region hops, added at four different points in the brewing process,” said Stephenson. “I love this Pilsner because we use my favorite German pilsner malt as 100% of the grain bill, and, of course, the cool hops. It is crisp, easy to drink, but interesting enough to be a year-round favorite, not just a summer beer. It is probably going to be my go-to this summer, especially with it being available in cans.”

Highland Pilsner is Highland’s first foray into canning and further signals Highland’s growing portfolio of beers and packages. Canned Highland Pilsner will be available across the distribution network starting in mid-May, with 12-pack bottles available in select markets in mid-June. Mandarina IPA, an orange India pale ale, will be released in cans in late June.

“Cans fit Southeastern life. On the water, in the mountains, or at the golf course, outdoor activities and our temperate climate call for cans,” said Leah Wong Ashburn, president of Highland Brewing Company. “Highland Pilsner signifies the tremendous strength of our team. The ingredient sourcing, test batches and refinement reflect an evolving Highland, true to our roots and moving forward.”

Ashburn continued, “I’m so proud of the recipe Hollie developed. Test batches have disappeared at incredible rates as soon as our staff knows it's available. Personally, the grassy aroma with low sulfur knock it out of the park for me.”

About Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company has crafted the highest quality beer with North Carolina mountain water since 1994. Family-owned and Asheville’s first legal brewery since Prohibition, it is a local favorite for beer fans, music fans, and families. Highland’s name honors the Scots Irish who settled in the Appalachian Mountains in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Adding to the tradition of honor, Highland’s seasonal beers are named after protected features of the North Carolina and Tennessee landscapes. The flagship beer, Gaelic Ale, and other styles of Highland beer are available in nine states and Washington, DC. For details on tours, special events, concerts, sustainability efforts, the new event center and more, visit www.highlandbrewing.com.

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