In major beer news, Anheuser-Busch, the American arm of global giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced it’s acquiring Breckenridge Brewery. The beloved Littleton brewery will be added to what A-B calls its High End unit, which currently counts previous controversial acquisitions like Goose Island Beer Co. and Elysian Brewing Co.
“We’re excited about the partnership and have been encouraged to continue on our path and become more innovative moving forward,” says Breckenridge president Todd Usry in a press release. “I’m a believer in what the High End is focused on accomplishing and we are flattered that our team was chosen to help guide that journey. We’re looking forward to utilizing resources like decades of research and brewing expertise as we continue to create new beers.”
Predictably, customers are less excited about the partnership, with the reactions on Twitter ranging from “How to ruin a decent microbrew” to “So long Breck” to “Boooooooooooooooooo.”
In a “Letter From Your Friends at Breckenridge Brewery” posted to the brewery’s site, and likely to appease nobody, Usry wrote, “I hope you will give us the chance to prove to you over time that we will continue to be Breckenridge Brewery.”
Most relevant to the Colorado Springs area is the news that the Breckenridge-Wynkoop group will retain ownership of the restaurant portfolio that includes Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
Otherwise, rest in peace Breckenridge.
“Breckenridge Brewery has a long history of innovation and they continue to brew new and exciting beers, from their specialty brews like the Mountain Series that celebrates the brewery’s origin as a ski town brewpub, to their planned nitro can series,” says High End CEO Andy Goeler in the release. “They are innovative and have built an amazing business that’s enabled them to get their great beers to fans across the country. We look forward to even more growth together.”
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year.
