Russ Robertson on Blending Experience and Innovation in Highland Brewing’s Operations

In today's episode, I welcomed Russ Robertson, Brewery Operations Director at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina. We explored Russ’s journey from his early influences growing up with a father in the beer industry, through his diverse roles at Miller Brewing, a stint bottling juice for J.M. Smucker, and finally his return to the craft beer world at Highland. Russ shared stories of career pivots, the evolution of brewing operations, and how innovation and family have remained at the center of his professional life.

Russ Robertson brings deep expertise, having started his career at Miller and working his way up through production and packaging in several states. With stops in Milwaukee and Maryland, Russ amassed years of large-scale brewing and operations experience. His path crossed with notable companies, from Anheuser-Busch to the Santa Cruz Organic juice line, but his heart brought him back to North Carolina and the vibrant craft scene at Highland Brewing. Today, he's at the forefront of process innovation, quality control, and team building at one of Asheville’s most established brewhouses.

“In business, the cream of the crop rises to the top always, always, and it feels good to be with the original craft brewer in Asheville.” ~ Russ Robertson

This Week on Consuming the Craft:

·     Russ’s early exposure to the beverage industry shaped his career ambitions and deep appreciation for brewing.

·     An entrepreneurship and business background gave Russ a foundation to navigate both large corporations and craft breweries.

·     Experience at the versatile Miller Eden facility meant exposure to large-scale innovation, running everything from PBR to Blue Moon.

·     Career transitions, such as moving from beer to juice bottling, offered Russ a broad perspective on beverage production and operations.

·     Relationships and networking, especially with other industry professionals like Andrew Klozenski, opened doors back into craft brewing.

·     Returning to North Carolina fulfilled Russ’s long-standing goal to build a life and career in his home state, surrounded by family.

·     Continuous process improvement and experimentation, such as research on zinc loss by Highland staff, drive innovation at Highland Brewing.

·     Highland Brewing is expanding its offerings with new projects, including a pizza kitchen, climbing gym, and honoring past traditions with the return of the Scotsman ale and the renaming of Oscar’s Oatmeal Porter.

 

Contact Russ Robertson & Highland Brewing:

Highland Brewing Company– Asheville, North Carolina

 

This episode is brought to you by…

 

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms Facebook page to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

 

Consuming the Craft

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