Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing Form Partnership

The North Carolina craft beverage landscape is witnessing a powerful alliance as two prominent breweries founded in 2013 join forces. What began as two North Carolina brewery startups in 2013 has evolved into a new partnership between industry peers. Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) have teamed up on an agreement that leverages Hi-Wire’s enhanced production capacity while supporting AMB’s continued growth. Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) have officially entered into a strategic production and distribution partnership, blending their complementary strengths to support the next chapter of regional craft brewing.

This collaboration comes on the heels of major facility enhancements at Hi-Wire, including an expansive 28,000-square-foot production plant equipped with a newly installed tunnel pasteurizer These upgraded capabilities allow Hi-Wire to extend contract manufacturing support to fellow independent brands while driving its own multi-state distribution and taproom growth.

For AMB, the partnership marks a triumphant return to independent operations following their recent repurchasing of the company, providing them with local production muscle in Asheville close to home. Read the official press release below to discover how this exciting union will impact distribution, cider production, and taproom experiences across the region.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (August 5, 2026) — What began as two North Carolina brewery startups in 2013 has evolved into a new partnership between industry peers. Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) have teamed up on an agreement that leverages Hi-Wire’s enhanced production capacity while supporting AMB’s continued growth. The partnership is one of several new collaborations emerging from Hi-Wire’s expanded contract brewing operations in Asheville. 

Hi-Wire’s 28,000 square foot production facility is increasingly focused on its contract manufacturing business, in addition to brewing its own products. With a tunnel pasteurizer now online, the company has expanded its production capabilities for new beverage categories such as THC seltzers, ciders, and sodas, opening the door to future partnerships with fellow beverage brands from North Carolina and beyond.

The partnership is a strong match with commonalities between the breweries – both have been in business since 2013 and deliver a wide variety of high-quality, award-winning beers. The breweries’ paths have varied from one another significantly before aligning more closely last year.

While Hi-Wire has focused on taprooms (they currently operate seven across NC and TN) and distribution to eight states, AMB’s path led them through an acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev to recently re-purchasing their company back and operating independently again.

Through that acquisition, AMB’s production facility was sold, eliminating the capacity to produce all of their beer at their original location. When they connected with Hi-Wire in 2025 it finally gave AMB the right local option and capabilities to produce all of their beer close to home. 

While AMB still operates its original brewery in Boone, its widely distributed canned beer, such as Long Leaf IPA, Boone Creek Blonde, and Honeydew Honeysuckle Wheat, among others, are now brewed in Asheville at Hi-Wire’s facility. Hi-Wire has also brought AMB’s wholesale sales under its purview, focusing on selling AMB’s beer and cider alongside its own complementary product lineup.

“We’re proud to be working with another North Carolina brewery that shares our commitment to quality and craftsmanship,” said Nathan Kelischek, President and Co-founder of Appalachian Mountain Brewery. “Having production close by allows us to stay actively involved throughout the brewing process and work directly with the Hi-Wire team whenever needed. It’s a partnership that strengthens our ability to deliver the beers people expect from Appalachian Mountain Brewery while staying true to our values of sustainability and community.”

One member of that team is Hank Marshall, Hi-Wire’s Director of Operations. Underscoring the sense of community are the real-life connections between the breweries. “I’m thrilled that we’ve built this partnership with AMB,” stated Marshall. “During my college years, I spent countless Saturday afternoons at their taproom in Boone, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to now contribute to the growth and success of a brewery I’ve admired for so long.”

With the addition of Hi-Wire’s tunnel pasteurizer installed earlier this month, the partnership is set to expand further, beginning with Hi-Wire’s production of AMB’s “Appalachian Mountain Cidery” cider brands. Meanwhile AMB will focus on its small batch brewing in Boone, and its distillery in Old Fort.

“We feel really good about choosing another award-winning company to help us produce our recipes,” said Chris Zeiber, CEO and Co-founder of Appalachian Mountain Brewery. “Hi-Wire Brewing’s production quality is among the best, and we’ve had a great experience working together.” 

Further showcasing the partnership, several of AMB’s beers are now available on draft across Hi-Wire’s seven taproom locations in North Carolina and Tennessee.

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More Details on Hi-Wire Brewing and the North Carolina Beer Scene:
It’s hard to talk about Asheville or the North Carolina brewing scene without mentioning Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB). Click the above links to learn more.

About Hi-Wire Brewing

Founded in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2013, Hi-Wire Brewing’s mission is to create what brings people together. The company crafts approachable, award-winning beers across a wide range of styles and expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of a THC-infused seltzer in late 2025.

Hi-Wire beers are available across eight states and served at seven taprooms, including six in North Carolina and one in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company also offers contract brewing services to support other beverage brands and operates The Tiki Easy Bar and The Event Space in Asheville.

With a team of more than 100 employees, Hi-Wire is committed to quality, community, and inclusivity. Learn more at hiwirebrewing.com.

About Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Founded in Boone, North Carolina in 2013, Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) is an award-winning craft beverage company rooted in community, sustainability, and philanthropy. As Boone’s first brewery, AMB quickly earned recognition for its innovative beers and welcoming Southern hospitality. 

Today, the company produces a diverse portfolio including craft beer, ciders under Appalachian Mountain Cidery, better-for-you sodas under Mountain Hippie Soda Co., both spirits and hemp-derived products under Modern Alchemist Co. AMB opened a second location and taproom in Mills River, North Carolina in 2023 and opened the Modern Alchemist Distillery in Old Fort, North Carolina in 2025. AMB has received multiple honors from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. Learn more at AMB.beer.

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