Highland Brewing Company to Debut New Seasonal Brew, Cattail Peak Wheat

Cattail Peak is the first seasonal wheat beer from Highland Brewing. With its hint of rye and tangy hue of hibiscus, this refreshing beer is the perfect complement to Carolina's hot summer temperatures.

23/06/08 Highland Brewing Company recently announced that it is brewing a new seasonal, Cattail Peak Wheat. The brewer expects its unique version of summer Wheat beer to be released June 23rd and available in stores and restaurants shortly after.

Cattail Peak is the first seasonal wheat beer from Highland Brewing. With its hint of rye and tangy hue of hibiscus, this refreshing beer is the perfect complement to Carolina's hot summer temperatures. Cattail Peak gets its unique flavor and color from the right combination of Red Wheat, 2 Row Malt, Rye, Flaked Barley and hibiscus. Palisade and German Hersbrucker Hops combine to give Cattail just a hint of hops that is easy on the palate, yet distinctively different.

Head Brewer John Lyda has always wanted to do a wheat beer and is excited to be crafting such a unique, well-balanced and refreshing brew as Cattail. "I was looking for the perfect complement to the sweetness of the wheat and malt. The moment I sampled the hibiscus, I knew that I had found it. The hibiscus gently infuses the beer with a citrus note that blends well with both the sweetness of the wheat and the bitterness of the hops, creating the perfect balance." The unique flavor of Cattail which is created by this infusion eliminates the need to add orange or lemon slices for additional tang. "I have not found another bottled beer in the U.S. that uses hibiscus, so Cattail is truly unique." adds John.

According to Oscar Wong, company president, the beer has a special place at Highland. "Cattail is our first wheat and I'm hoping it's the start of a long-standing summer tradition here in Asheville."

Cattail Peak Wheat will be available both on-tap and in stores in NC, SC, TN & GA in selected cities. The beer will be available in 12 ounce bottles as well as 15.5 and 5.16 gallon kegs. Cattail Peak Wheat posts a 19 on the IBU scale and is 4.7% ABV. Cattail is just one of about a half-dozen seasonal craft beers that Highland will release in 2008. Highland Brewery also offers five award winning brews that are available year-round.