Hi-Wire Brewing Awarded Bronze at 2026 World Beer Cup® 

A Second Win for its 10W–40 Imperial Stout Series 

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (April 27, 2026)— Hi-Wire Brewing earned a bronze medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup Awards, placing in the Dessert or Pastry Beer category for its 10W–40 Coconut Chocolate Bar. The win marks the second World Beer Cup award for the brewery’s 10W-40 Imperial Stout series, with 10W–40 Churro winning silver in 2024. 

Named with a playful nod to the viscosity of motor oil, the series has been in production for nearly a decade, featuring rotating flavors and limited releases. Coconut Chocolate Bar is brewed with cacao nibs, coconut candy syrup, vanilla, and lactose, delivering rich chocolate notes that give way to bright tropical coconut and a satisfying sweetness. 

“The series began with the idea for 10W-40 Original, and over time it evolved into one of the most beloved expressions we produce,” said Hank Marshall, Hi-Wire’s Director of Operations and former Head Brewer. “We’ve always been proud of the foundation of that beer, and watching it grow into something this expansive has been genuinely rewarding.”

The 10W-40 series is available on-draft and in 4-packs of 16oz cans; use Hi-Wire’s Beer Finder to locate retailers near you. Guests visiting any of Hi-Wire’s seven taprooms can find a variety of 10W-40 on-draft and to-go while supplies last, including Coconut Chocolate Bar. Earlier drops include Mexican Hot Chocolate, Churro, Irish Cream, & Maple Breakfast Coffee. The next drop in the 10W-40 series will be Vietnamese Iced Coffee, with a release date of May 8th. Keep an eye out for Pumpkin Spicewalla, Peanut Butter Cup, and Original, all dropping in the latter part of the year. 

The awards ceremony took place on April 22, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia where awards were given in 114 style categories and five cider categories. 

Hi-Wire is no stranger to the World Beer Cup, with five total awards since 2018. Recent wins include silver medals for Hi-Wire Lager (International-Style Pilsener category, 2025) and Japanese Dry Rice Lager (Experimental Beer category, 2022). It first placed bronze in 2018 for Dry-Hopped Brett Pale in the Wood Barrel Aged Beer Style category. 

World Beer Cup, often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer Competitions,”recognizes the best in brewing from all over the world. This year, a group of 255 discerning beer judges, hailing from 37 countries, carefully evaluated 8,166 entries from 1,644 breweries across 50 countries. Established by the Brewers Association in 1996, the competition remains one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. 

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. 

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