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Hi-Wire staff at the 2026 World Beer Cup with smiling faces pose in front of a WBC backdrop while holding the state flag of North Carolina

Hi-Wire Takes Bronze at 2026 World Beer Cup

We’re stoked and honored to share that Hi-Wire Brewing earned a bronze medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup Awards, placing in the Dessert or Pastry Beer category for our 10W-40 Coconut Chocolate Bar. The win marks the second World Beer Cup award for our 10W-40 Imperial Stout series, with 10W-40 Churro winning silver in 2024.

About 10W-40 Imperial Stouts

16oz can of 10W-40 Coconut Chocolate Bar placed next to 12oz draft pour of the beer Named with a playful nod to the viscosity of motor oil, our 10W-40 Imperial Stout series has been in production for nearly a decade, featuring rotating flavors and limited releases. We brew Coconut Chocolate Bar 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 our Beer Finder to locate retailers near you. Guests visiting any of our 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. As of early May, 2026, the next drop in the 10W-40 series is Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Keep an eye out for Pumpkin Spicewalla, Peanut Butter Cup, and Original, all dropping in the latter part of the year.

2026 World Beer Cup: “The Olympics of Beer”

Hi-Wire staff at the 2026 World Beer Cup with smiling faces pose in front of a WBC backdrop while holding the state flag of North Carolina 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). We 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.

Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing Release Odyssey IPA Benefitting Western North Carolina’s Continued Hurricane Recovery

in Beer for Good, Beer Release, News

Hi-Wire Brewing is teaming up with NoDa Brewing to release Odyssey IPA, a collaboration beer with a portion of proceeds benefiting continued Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The partnership is a full-circle moment for both breweries. NoDa showed up in a major way for Asheville after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, trucking in supplies for the community in need and brewing over 1,000 barrels of beer for Hi-Wire while the city’s water and, in effect, beer production remained offline for weeks.

Releasing March 27, Odyssey IPA is a 6.5% ABV hazy IPA brewed with Dolcita, Citra, and Mosaic hops, featuring the Lupocore and Prysma advanced brewing products from John I. Haas. With a soft bitterness and bright hop character, this beer was made possible through ingredient and material donations from Haas, Country Malt Group, and Hart Print. Proceeds from draft and canned sales will benefit ARCHR (Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair), which provides no-cost repairs to qualified low-income families whose homes were damaged by the hurricane.

“NoDa had our backs when things were pretty dark around here. They helped us keep beer on shelves and helped our neighbors get much-needed supplies,” said Peter Batinski, Head Brewer at Hi-Wire Brewing. “Getting to brew this beer with them and raise money for folks still rebuilding, that’s what the beer community is all about.”

When Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters submerged Hi-Wire’s River Arts District facility in September 2024, the brewery lost 1.3 million unfilled cans, 200,000 filled cans, and the ability to produce beer while Asheville’s water system was down. NoDa stepped up to brew Hi-Pitch, Lo-Pitch, and Hazy Pitch IPAs, keeping Hi-Wire going while the city recovered.

Odyssey IPA will be available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans and on draft at Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing taprooms, plus retailers throughout Hi-Wire’s eight-state distribution network starting Friday, March 27. This collaboration beer will remain available while supplies last, with a portion of all proceeds supporting ARCHR’s mission.

Stout Bout Returns to Asheville: Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beloved Beer Competition Makes A Knockout Comeback November 22

in News, Taprooms

After a one-year hiatus, Hi-Wire Brewing’s fan-favorite Stout Bout is back and better than ever. The annual stout competition returns Saturday, Nov. 22 at Hi-Wire’s Biltmore Village taproom in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing together fourteen exceptional breweries from across the region for an afternoon of indulgent tastings, live music, and fierce-but-friendly competition from 2-6 PM. At 7PM, a new kind of throw-down begins, as Urban Combat Wrestling closes the day with pure adrenaline.

This year’s lineup features exciting new partnerships with out-of-state staples like South Carolina’s Side Hustle Brewing, Tennessee’s Crafty Bastard Brewery, and more, alongside beloved local favorites from Burial Beer Co. to DSSOLVR. Each brewery brings its most unique, decadent stout to compete for titles including Best Aroma, Best Flavor, Most Decadent Body, and the coveted Overall Champion Stout. Festival-goers will taste, savor, and ultimately crown the 2025 Stout Bout Champion through their votes.

“Stout Bout has always been about bringing people together to celebrate great beer and our incredible brewing community,” said Peter Batinski, Head of Specialty and Sour Program at Hi-Wire Brewing. “After having to cancel last year due to Hurricane Helene, we’re thrilled to welcome some of our favorite breweries for this year’s extra special showdown.”

Sponsored by Truist Bank (Growler Level sponsor), the festival experience goes beyond the beer, featuring Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food and Blunt Pretzels to pair with rich stouts, live music all day, and roaming circus performers. When the sun sets, the celebration continues with Urban Combat Wrestling starting at 7 PM inside the taproom for the ultimate after-party.

Stout Bout tickets are limited and selling fast. Three experience levels are available:

$15 General Admission (2–6 PM), includes custom glassware and two 4-ounce tastings. Additional tokens are available for $3 each.
$40 Full Tasting Pass, includes one 4-ounce tasting from each of the 14 breweries, custom glassware, a 20-ounce draft Leisure Time Lager, and a wrestling entry ticket
$100 VIP Experience, includes one 4-ounce tasting from each of the 14 breweries, custom glassware, Bulleit Bourbon lounge access with specialty Bulleit cocktail tastings, rare pours, unlimited Leisure Time Lager, VIP swag, and ringside wrestling seats

Secure your spot here. The festival is 21+ only, while Urban Combat Wrestling is all ages with parental advisory.

Nov. 24, 2025 Update

The votes are in, and the 2025 Stout Bout Champion is Side Hustle Brewing Co.

As the stoutest stout on the score card, their 16.8% ABV contestant, aged for 12 months in Burnt Church Distillery’s Anita’s Choice Bourbon barrels, took home the crown with a knockout punch. We’re tapping it Friday, Nov. 28, at Hi-Wire Biltmore Village while supplies last, then rotating through the rest of the stellar lineup ’til they’re gone.

The Awards
2025 Stout Bout Champion: Side Hustle Brewing Co.
Best Aroma: Trophy Brewing Company
Best Flavor: Hi-Wire Brewing (hey, that’s us!)
Best Mouthfeel: Diatribe Brewing

Participating Breweries
A. Dssolvr | Blend of Imperial Stouts aged in Bourbon and Brandy, conditioned on brownie mix, coffee, caramel, peanuts, grape, pecans, cinnamon, and maple syrup

B. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | American-style Stout with Cascade hops

C. Tennessee Hills Brewstillery | Stout aged in Madeira Bourbon Barrel

D. The Asheville Bier Garden | Imperial Stout aged for 6 months on bourbon-soaked sugar maple staves. Notes of intense chocolate, roast, oak & vanilla.

E. Diatribe Brewing | Amburana Mole Imperial Stout with Cocoa nibs, guajillo peppers, cinnamon, and amburana wood

F. Peaceful Side Brewery | Imperial Stout, aged in charred Heaven Hill bourbon barrels that previously held BLiS Maple Syrup

G. Trophy Brewing Company | Imperial Stout with cherries, dates, dried tobacco, and licorice. Blended from two batches — one aged 8 months in bourbon barrels and one aged 20 months — for a balanced finish.

H. Crafty Bastard Brewery | Milk Stout brewed with cold brew coffee, cacao nibs, vanilla, cinnamon, and ancho chili peppers

I. Resident Culture Brewing Company | Imperial Stout with over 10 pounds per barrel of toasted hazelnuts and cacao nibs

J. Burial Beer Co. | Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with coffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla bean

K. Booneshine Brewing Company | Chocolate Vanilla Imperial Pastry Stout with Madagascar vanilla beans, locally-roasted cacao nibs,
and Stick Boy Boone Brookies

L. Monnik Louisville | Stout aged for 12 months in Bardstown Bourbon Co. Bourbon Barrels. Notes of vanilla, coconut, and baker’s chocolate.

M. Side Hustle Brewing Co. | Stout aged 12 months in Burnt Church Anita’s Choice Bourbon Barrels. Notes of toasted coconut and
salted caramel.

N. Hi-Wire Brewing | Stout aged on almonds and Madagascar vanilla

And to everyone who showed up to taste, vote, and vibe with us — you made this day unforgettable.

Until next year, stout fans!

Hi-Wire Brewing–Charlotte Partners with Acclaimed Asheville Cidery to Open Noble Cider & Mead Bar

in News, Taprooms

A new Asheville collaboration is coming to Charlotte’s South End. Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte is partnering with Noble Cider, one of North Carolina’s most celebrated craft cideries, to open a dedicated Noble Cider & Mead Bar inside Hi-Wire’s taproom. The partnership will bring 100% gluten-free options to the space—expanding the taproom’s already diverse lineup of beer, cocktails, non-alcoholic, and THC-infused drinks.

The second back bar inside Hi-Wire’s expansive taproom will be transformed with Noble branding and will pour a rotating selection of Noble’s award-winning ciders and meads, all made in Asheville from apples grown in Western North Carolina. From their partnership with Lewis Creek Orchard in Henderson County to their co-ownership of the juicing company Blue Ridge Pure, Noble oversees every step of the process to ensure their products reflect authentic, farm-to-can craftsmanship.

“Our mission is to make the things that bring people together,” said Adam Charnack, Hi-Wire Brewing Co-Founder and CEO. “By partnering with another small, Asheville-based company, we’re not just expanding our menu—we’re expanding our community. Whether you drink beer, cider, cocktails, or prefer non-alcoholic options, there will be something here for everyone.”

Cheers to the future! Pictured from left to right in front of the future Noble Cider bar: Lief Stevens, Noble Cider owner; Kali Palmer, Noble Cider Sales and Marketing Manager; Brian Laggis, Hi-Wire Brewing Chief Commercial Officer

Hi-Wire–Charlotte is already known for being a community hub—hosting weekly events, arcade games, and providing a dog- and family-friendly atmosphere. The addition of the Noble Cider & Mead Bar reinforces Hi-Wire’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality, creating a one-stop destination for groups with varied tastes.

“I’ve always admired Hi-Wire’s culture,” said Lief Stevens, owner of Noble Cider. “When Adam and I met, we immediately saw the opportunity to create something special for Charlotte—a place that celebrates great craft beverages and the people who enjoy them.”

Guests can expect the new Noble bar to open by Thanksgiving, featuring a refreshed look and full cider-and-mead lineup. A selection of Hi-Wire brews will continue to pour from the outdoor bar window through the summer months.

“We’re thrilled to expand our cider and mead offerings to Charlotte,” Stevens added. “And maybe even turn a few ‘not-cider’ skeptics into fans.”

For details on the Hi-Wire Charlotte taproom, hours, and links to what’s on draft at the new Noble bar, visit our Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte taproom page.

Now Serving Gleezy Hotdogs at Hi-Wire South Slope

in News, Taprooms

Picture this: It’s late, you’ve been hitting Asheville’s breweries on the South Slope with your besties, and you’ve found your way to Hi-Wire Brewing. You try one of the freshly brewed specialty beers when you hear about the Tiki Easy cocktail bar hidden around the back of the bar. But, you’re STARVING. Who can drink cocktails on an empty stomach?

Never fear. You can now get hot dogs at Hi-Wire South Slope! These aren’t just any dogs. These are Gleezy Hot Dogs: double smoked beef brisket hot dogs, topped with fanciful recipes and Spicewalla spices to excite your palate and fill your tummy. Order at the taproom bar and eat in the taproom or in Tiki.

Try options like the Carolina Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, or the Japanese Terimayo Dog (spoiler – it’ll surprise you in the best way!). With five different styles, including your classic Basic Dog and a Veggie Dog substitute option, and a price point from $4-$9, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the launch menu here (subject to change). Serving all day, every day—head on over to Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope and The Tiki Easy Bar at 197 Hilliard Avenue for drinks, dogs, and good times.

Hi-Wire staff members on the stage as they receive the silver award at the World Beer Cup

Hi-Wire Lager Takes Silver on the World Stage — And We’re Raising a Glass

in News, Uncategorized

We’ve got big news brewing—literally. Our flagship Hi-Wire Lager just scored silver at the 2025 World Beer Cup®, the most prestigious beer competition on the planet. That’s right, the crisp, clean beer that started it all for Hi-Wire Brewing in 2013 is now officially world-class.

This isn’t our first time on the podium (shoutout to Churro 10W-40 for snagging silver in Dessert Stouts in 2024!), but this one hits different. Why? Because Hi-Wire Lager isn’t just any beer—it’s the original. It’s the first recipe we perfected, a taproom best-seller, the go-to shift beer for our staff, and now, an internationally acclaimed pilsener (for those of you wondering, a pilsener is a type of lager!).

Out of 80 entries in the International-Style Pilsener category, Hi-Wire Lager stood out for its light body, perfect balance, and easy-drinking vibe—thanks to classic Pilsen malt and German hops. This win feels like a full-circle moment for us, and we couldn’t be prouder.

“This beer is like our spirit animal,” said Hi-Wire co-founder and CEO Adam Charnack. “Earning silver in such a classic category feels like a lifetime achievement. We’re stoked!”

And we’re not just keeping it to ourselves. Hi-Wire Lager is pouring year-round at all of our taprooms and showing up on draft lists and store shelves across the region. Look for 6-packs of 16oz cans, or use our handy Beer Finder to locate your nearest pour.

The 2025 World Beer Cup® was no small feat—265 judges from 37 countries evaluated a staggering 8,375 entries across 112 style categories. So yeah, this medal means a lot.

To everyone who’s ever raised a Hi-Wire Lager with us—cheers. You’re part of this win, too.

Find Hi-Wire Lager near you with our Beer Finder!