Big Beer continues to scoop up microbreweries.
Anheuser-Busch announced an agreement this week to acquire Four Peaks Brewing Company, the leading craft brewer in the state of Arizona, the company says.
Four Peaks, which opened its doors in 1996, expects to sell approximately 70,000 barrels of beer in 2015.
Four Peaks will represent the sixth operation to join the growing list of craft breweries within The High End, Anheuser-Busch’s business unit providing craft and import brands.
The brewery will continue to brew their beers, including their flagship beer, Kilt Lifter, a Scottish-Style Ale that accounts for more than 60 percent of the brewery’s sales.
Four Peaks also produces popular limited releases like cask versions of its mainstay beers and its four-time World Beer Cup-medaling Hopsquatch Barleywine. In addition, Four Peaks has seen great success with newer brews like its Pumpkin Porter, which grew more than 150 percent last year, the company reports.
“We’re excited to join the enthusiastic team and tap into their resources to expand our footprint and share our beer with even more people moving forward,” says Andy Ingram, Four Peaks co-founder, in a press-release.
Four Peaks will join Goose Island Beer Company, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company and Golden Road Brewing as part of the growing portfolio of craft beers within The High End.
“What Andy and the team have been able to accomplish is remarkable and a testament to their culture and portfolio of great beers,” says Andy Goeler, CEO, Craft, The High End. “We look forward to learning from each other and bringing more Four Peaks beers to craft lovers in the Southwest.”
The partnership includes the company’s three primary locations: the 8th Street Brewery & Pub in Tempe; the Wilson Street Brewery & Tasting Room in Tempe; and the Grill & Tap in Scottsdale, in addition to continuing their partnership at the Sky Harbor Airport facility.
Anheuser-Busch’s acquisition of Four Peaks is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
First Beverage Group acted as financial advisor to Four Peaks, and Spencer Fane Britt & Browne provided legal counsel.
