Highland Haze IPA: A Beer Gave Back
Highland Haze IPA isn’t just a new beer — it’s a reflection of community resilience, a fresh take on a fan-favorite style, and now a year-round option you can grab just about anywhere you shop for craft.
From its meaningful launch to its bright, tropical profile, here’s everything to know (and love) about Highland Haze.
From Draft-Only Debut to Everyday Staple
Highland Haze first hit taps in early 2025 as a draft-only release tied to Highland Brewing’s “Thirst for Good” campaign.
The timing mattered. The beer launched in the wake of Hurricane Helene, when Asheville’s hospitality community needed support the most. Proceeds from every keg went directly to the North Carolina Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, helping local workers recover and rebuild.
What started as a limited, purpose-driven pour quickly became something bigger. The response from drinkers across WNC and beyond helped Highland not only meet but surpass fundraising goals, raising over $13,000 for hospitality workers.
Now, Highland Haze has evolved into a core part of Highland’s lineup.
What’s in the Glass: Flavor Profile & Specs
Highland Haze is everything you want from a modern hazy IPA — juicy, smooth, and seriously drinkable.
Key stats:
- ABV: 7.4%
- IBUs: 40
Hops:
- Citra Incognito
- Krush
- Mosaic
What it tastes like: Expect a lush burst of citrus and tropical fruit, with notes of:
- Ripe mango
- Pineapple
- Juicy orange and grapefruit
All balanced by a soft mouthfeel and a gentle, clean bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.
The grain bill — featuring flaked wheat and oats — delivers that signature hazy IPA texture: pillowy, smooth, and full without being heavy.
Born from “Thirst for Good”
Highland Brewing’s broader brand platform, “Thirst for Good,” reflects a simple but powerful belief: beer can do more. More for community. More for connection. More for the places we call home.
The beer itself embodies that mindset:
- It launched as a fundraising vehicle for local recovery efforts
- It helped spotlight Asheville’s resilience on a national stage
- It continues to represent Highland’s commitment to “good flavor, good future, and good feels”
For folks across NC, SC, GA, and TN — and especially here in WNC — that story resonates just as much as the flavor.
Why Highland Haze Stands Out in a Crowded IPA Market
Let’s be real — there’s no shortage of hazy IPAs out there. But Highland Haze has a few things going for it:
- It’s Built for Balance
Some hazies lean too sweet or too bitter. Highland Haze hits that sweet spot — juicy upfront with a crisp, refreshing finish.
- It’s Rooted in Place
This isn’t just another IPA. It’s Asheville-brewed, community-driven, and shaped by real moments in WNC history.
- It’s Made for Anywhere You Drink Beer
Whether you’re at a festival, hanging at a brewery, kicking back after a hike or filling a cooler for a weekend trip, Highland Haze
Where to Find Highland Haze IPA
Good news — you don’t have to hunt it down anymore.
Highland Haze is now widely available:
- On draft across NC, SC, TN, and GA
- In six-packs
- In 19.2 oz single-serve cans
- Inside Highland variety packs alongside Gaelic Ale, Daycation Gold, and our Spring seasonal, Saint T’s
If you’re in Asheville or anywhere across WNC, chances are it’s already within reach.
The Takeaway: Drink Good, Do Good
Highland Haze IPA is more than a hazy — it’s a reminder of what makes craft beer special in the first place.
It’s:
- Flavor-forward but approachable
- Rooted in Asheville’s culture
- Built on community support and resilience
And now that it’s available in cans and packs, it’s easier than ever to make it part of your rotation.
So next time you’re scanning the cooler or hitting your go-to spot, reach for the haze that gives back.