AB InBev buys Washington craft brewer

Beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev has acquired one of Washington’s fastest growing craft breweries, Elysian, for an undisclosed sum.

The Seattle-based brewery was founded in 1995 and sold over 50,000 barrels worth of beer in 2014. AB InBev also acquired New York-based Blue Point and Bend breweries and Oregon-based 10 Barrel Brewing last year as it bolsters a craft beer portfolio that already includes Chacago’s Goose Island.

Andy Goeler, CEO of the brewer’s craft beer division, said: “Elysian’s story includes everything we look for in a partner.

“As the fastest-growing brewer in Washington, their recipe is working. Elysian’s brands are an important addition to our high-end beer portfolio, and we look forward to working together.”

Elysian’s CEO and co-founder, Joe Bisacca, commented: “After a lot of hard work, we’ve grown from one Seattle brewpub to four pub locations and a production brewery.” “With the support of Anheuser-Busch, we will build on past successes and share our beers with more beer lovers moving forward.”