Highland Brewing Releasing Saw-Whet Saison, First of Three New Seasonals for 2016

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 25, 2016) – Highland Brewing Company will release Saw-Whet Saison, the first of three new seasonal beers, on Jan. 29, 2016, in the brewery’s tasting room. It will be followed by Early’s Hoppy Wheat in April and Lost Cove Kolsch in June.

Developed by Pilot Brewer Paul Rollow and Head Brewer Hollie Stephenson, the 6% ABV farmhouse ale shows off a complex malt bill, unique, spicy yeast and subtle lemony notes. Astutely hopped for balance and dimension, it finishes exceptionally dry.

“Paul worked to develop this recipe with hoppy hybrid beers in mind,” said Stephenson. “In this saison, typical Belgian yeast flavors meet American dry hopping, and the result is complex, spicy and citrusy. This beer excites me because it is a perfect example of what American craft beer is adding to very old and respected traditional brewing styles.”     

Through its For Love of Beer and Mountains partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) Highland’s seasonal beers draw attention to protected land features and raise awareness about the landscape that makes the region unique. The saison is named for the Saw-Whet Owl, which can be found on lands protected by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the smallest predatory owl in the eastern U.S. and can be spotted perched among high-elevation conifers during the winter months.

“SAHC is very grateful for the ongoing support for local land and water conservation provided by Highland Brewing Company through our For Love of Beer and Mountains partnership,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC Executive Director.  “We are particularly excited about the new Saw-Whet Saison seasonal, which helps raise awareness about the native Northern Saw-Whet owl and SAHC’s efforts to protect its habitat.”

Highland will roll out two other new seasonals in 2016. Early’s Hoppy Wheat, which debuts in April, is hopped up on Summit, Cascade, Mosaic and Amarillo from the Pacific Northwest and bursts with bright tropical and piney notes over wheat malts. It is named for Early’s Mountain, which overlooks the historic Sandy Mush farming community where SAHC protects more than 10,000 acres. In time for warm days and summertime adventures, Highland will release Lost Cove Kolsch in June. It’s an easy-sipping, refreshing brew with bready malts and floral hops. The name comes from the legendary ghost town in the Nolichucky River Gorge that provided secluded living for self-reliant families from the Civil War through Prohibition.