Coffee-charged storm cell detected over the Blue Ridge, now arriving in aluminum. Highland Thunderstruck Coffee Porter, the Asheville brewery’s 5.8% winter seasonal, returns in late October 2026 in cans for the first time, according to a Highland press release.
Highland Thunderstruck Coffee Porter goes to cans
First released as a winter seasonal in 2011, Thunderstruck was previously sold in bottles. This year it comes in six-packs of 12-oz cans and on draft across Highland’s four-state distribution footprint: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Highland gives no firmer date than late October.
- Format: six-packs of 12-oz cans (new) and draft
- Markets: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia
- Timing: late October 2026
- Season: winter seasonal since 2011
The Bureau notes that Earthlings have been carrying this storm around in glass for well over a decade. Aluminum is lighter, chills faster and travels well to a campsite. Progress, by Earth standards.
Brewed with Dynamite Roasting coffee
Highland, which calls itself Asheville’s original craft brewery, brews the porter with local roaster Dynamite Roasting Co. Per the brewery, each barrel gets 1.5 pounds of Dynamite coffee.
The brewery’s beer page lists the specs:
- ABV: 5.8%
- IBU: 30
- Hops: Apollo and Mt. Hood
- Malts: 2-row, Midnight Wheat, Caramel 60 and chocolate malt, plus Dynamite coffee
Highland describes Highland Thunderstruck Coffee Porter as presenting “big, booming coffee aroma and flavor with subtle spice and fruit notes.”
Why it’s back
Highland says its 2026 seasonal calendar is built around returning favorites.
This year’s seasonal calendar has centered around bringing back beloved favorites like Thunderstruck Coffee Porter. It’s a nostalgic approach that allows us to connect with long-time fans and celebrate our very flavorful craft beer legacy here at Highland.
Jared Turbyfill, commercial director, Highland Brewing
Humans, the Bureau has observed, run on two fuels in winter: coffee and nostalgia. This can carries both, in a format that fits a cooler. The Bureau considers this a sound winter survival strategy for the Blue Ridge.
Highland has been busy on the food side too; the Bureau covered its Oscar’s Pizza launch. Watch for Highland Thunderstruck Coffee Porter on Southeast shelves and taps in the coming weeks.
BEERALIEN.COM | Reporting on Earth’s finest craft beers from a galaxy far, far away.
BeerAlien
Raymond
