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.

Source: Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing.