Lunar New Year 2023!
Highland is excited to celebrate Lunar New Year (1/22) and kick off the Year of the Rabbit with our fourth annual collaboration with Seattle-based Lucky Envelope Brewing Company on the weekend of January 21-22.
The collaboration brew, Water Rabbit, is a West Coast-Style Pilsner brewed with Yuzu. This beer was brewed on both coasts and inspired by the Chinese cultural heritage of the brewery owners.
Barry Chan, Lucky Envelope Co-Founder and Brewer said, “We chose Yuzu as an extra ingredient because, in addition to adding some East Asian flair, we felt the fruit mimicked the hopping regiment of a west coast IPA. Yuzu citrus has distinct herbaceous and Meyer lemon notes that remind me of less-intense bergamot.”
The beer will be released in Highland’s taprooms on Sunday, January 22 with festive red décor, lucky red envelopes with good luck and prizes, and live music in the brewery taproom from 2-5 PM.
For those wanting a first sip of the collaboration brew and a full menu of holiday treats by Chef Raymond Hui of Gan Shan, there will be a Lunar New Year Dining Experience on Saturday, 1/21.
Hui said, “The main inspiration for this menu came from all the fond memories of friends and family reuniting from far and wide at my grandparent’s house. The house during this time of year was decorated with bright red couplets with proverbs of a healthy and long life. The home was filled with familiar aromas that I had waited all year for. These dishes were special occasion delicacies that welcomed good fortune and happiness into the new year.”
The beer and the weekend of events will celebrate the flavors and traditions of Chinese New Year.
Leah Wong Ashburn, Highland Family Owner and President, said, “My perspective has shifted recently as Chinese New Year comes back into focus for me. I’m rediscovering Chinese New Year through beer.”
She continued, “Our Lunar New Year events highlight the best parts of the company and the industry with a creative and inspired beer, collaboration, cultural diversity, and celebration, all tying back to my father’s side of the family.”