The craft brewing industry has lost a pioneer, one of the kindest and talented people to in craft beer, Oskar Wong, founder of Asheville, North Carolina’s Highland Brewing.
Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer” passed peacefully at home on Sunday, May 25, 2025 with Anna, his wife of over 57 years, and Leah, one of his two daughters, at his side.
Upon his cancer diagnosis, Oscar’s doctor gave him 6-12 months, yet he lived well for the better part of three years. He valued quality of life and spent his remaining time fully immersed in the love of his family and those he cherished deeply. He liked to say, “Personal relationships are the currency of life,” and recently, he repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for an enriched life that exceeded his wildest imagination.
Oscar Wong is celebrated as a trailblazer, mentor, and friend to so many. From his humble beginnings as the son of Chinese immigrants in Jamaica, to Notre Dame, to a career as an engineer, to community service at the ARC, Rotary and UNC Asheville, to handball, to Highland, Oscar’s legacy is woven into the fabric of every community he touched.
Oscar was an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who embodied generosity, humility, and above all else, connection. Whether telling a story of the old Highland days, giving advice to an employee, or hand-writing a heartfelt note in exquisite penmanship, Oscar had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, or even meeting him once, likely felt touched by Oscar’s sincere and vivacious spirit.
To Oscar, success was not just about achievement but about giving back. His leadership and passion turned a post-retirement hobby into a pioneering brewery that shaped a city. Throughout his lifetime, he was honored with countless awards, among them: the US Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year for NC; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award; and the Brewers Association’s Recognition Award for “individuals whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.”
Oscar’s legacy lies in the lives he touched—as a loving father and friend, a role model for employees, a humorous and inspirational figure in the community, and a kind soul who believed in building businesses and bonds. From sipping scotch with friends every Friday to playing handball at 84, Oscar lived fully and always encouraged those around him to do the same.
Editor’s Note: The first time I met Oskar, it was at an event at Taco Mac in Atlanta for Highland Brewing and Paul Phillpon of Duck Rabbit Brewing. Around 5 pm, Oskar walking into the bar area and introduces himself to everyone, shaking hands in smiling. A few hours later, Oskar goes to leave, tells each person goodbye by name, as hours later he still remembered the name of every person he met, and left. I never forgot that evening, it left such a positive impression of Oskar Wong I have never forgotten. One of the best individuals I’ve ever met in the beer industry.
