28-05-2025
Charlotte breweries pay respects after death of Highland founder, NC craft beer pioneer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Charlotte brewery community is mourning the loss of a North Carolina craft beer pioneer.
Asheville's Highland Brewing Company announced that founder Oscar Wong died Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was 84.
'With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the 'Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer,'' the brewery wrote on social media.
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According to the brewery's website, Wong brewed Highland's first beers in the basement of Barley's Taproom in 1994. That's where their staples like Gaelic Ale, Oatmeal Porter, and Old Mountain Winter Ale were created.
Highland was the first known Asheville brewery post-prohibition in a city that's now home to more than 35 breweries and a beer-lovers' haven. Wong is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest civilian honor, and Highland became the largest independent, family-owned brewery founded in the Southeast.
Charlotte has also grown into a craft beer hot spot over the last decade. Many of Mecklenburg County's 40-plus breweries offered their condolences to the Highland and Wong families, which some say helped them in their own business ventures.
'We are so sorry for your loss. Oscar did so much for us when we were young and clueless. We will be forever grateful.' — Birdsong Brewing
'We are so sorry for your loss! While we don't know you all incredibly well, we do know how much of a guide and legend he was to the city of Asheville, and the state of North Carolina as a whole. Our thoughts are with you, and the entire team at Highland.' — Heist Brewery
'He was and will continue to be such an inspiration. Thank you Oscar and rest in peace. Our hearts go out to the @highlandbrewing family. 💚' — Vaulted Oak Brewing
'Rest in peace, Oscar. Your legacy will always live on 🍻' — Lost Worlds Brewing
Highland moved to an 11-acre facility in East Asheville in 2006. Wong's daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, is the president and CEO.
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