Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter: A Tribute to Craft Beer Pioneer Oscar Wong
Highland Brewing Company is raising a glass to legacy, flavor, and community with the newly renamed Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter—a rich, smooth stout-style beer that honors our beloved founder, Oscar Wong.
This updated name brings new meaning to a fan-favorite brew while preserving the same beloved recipe that has long been a staple of Asheville’s craft beer scene.
What Is Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter?
Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter is a creamy, full-bodied dark beer known for its balanced, comforting flavor profile. Brewed with oats for mouthfeel and roasted malts for depth, it offers:
- Notes of chocolate and freshly roasted coffee
- A smooth, velvety texture
- A rich, slightly sweet finish
This approachable yet flavorful porter is available year-round, making it perfect for both seasoned craft beer lovers and those new to darker styles.
Why the Name Change Matters
The renaming of Highland Brewing’s Oatmeal Porter to Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter is more than branding—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Oscar Wong, Asheville’s original craft beer pioneer.
- Founded Highland Brewing in 1994, launching Asheville’s first craft brewery
- Known as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer”
- Helped spark the region’s now-thriving beer culture
- A community leader, mentor, and innovator
Oscar passed away in 2025, but his legacy lives on through Highland Brewing and its beers.
Leah Wong Ashburn, Highland’s President & CEO and Oscar’s daughter, reflects the deeper meaning: “He was a craft beer pioneer, but more importantly, he was a community leader, a mentor, and a family man.”
The updated label now features Oscar’s signature, adding a personal touch to a brew that was famously his favorite.
Brewing Beyond the Pint: Food Pairings & Cooking
Oscar didn’t just drink this porter—he cooked with it.
Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter is highly versatile in the kitchen:
Perfect pairings:
- Braised short ribs
- Beef stew
- BBQ dishes
- Chocolate desserts
Cooking tip: Use it to add depth to sauces or marinades—the roasted malt notes enhance savory flavors beautifully.
Raise a Glass to Legacy
Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter is more than a beer—it’s a story in every sip. It represents innovation, heritage, and the spirit of Asheville’s craft beer movement.
Whether you’re discovering Highland Brewing for the first time or returning to a longtime favorite, this porter invites you to celebrate the life and legacy of a true pioneer.
Next step: Stop by Highland Brewing or look for Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter near you—and raise a pint to Oscar Wong.