Anheuser-Busch to purchase Elysian Brewing

Purchase agreement selling out — Opportunity knocked, held out its hand and Elysian Brewing shook it.

Another craft brewery has turned to the deep pockets of Big Beer to help it continue on its journey. Anheuser-Busch announced it has agreed to purchase Elysian Brewing Co., based in Seattle. For nearly 20 years, Elysian has brewed an award-winning portfolio of beers, including Immortal IPA. You may recall a similar move from Anheuser-Busch several months ago, when it purchased 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend, Ore.

The Elysian team seems excited by the opportunities this move presents.

“For two decades, we’ve welcomed guests into our brewpubs and served them creative and impeccably crafted beers,” said Joe Bisacca, Elysian ‎CEO and co-founder, who will continue with Elysian along with his partners, Dick Cantwell and David Buhler. “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.”

Dick Cantwell, Elysian co-founder and Head Brewer added, “Throughout our journey we’ve been focused on brewing a portfolio of both classic and groundbreaking beers and supporting innovation and camaraderie in the beer industry through collaboration and experimentation. By joining with Anheuser-Busch, we’ll be able to take the next steps to bring that energy and commitment to a larger audience.”

Elysian sold more than 50,000 barrels of beer in 2014, with Immortal IPA accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s total volume.

“Elysian’s story includes everything we look for in a partner,” said Andy Goeler, CEO, Craft, Anheuser-Busch. “The team has spent their careers brewing distinctive beers in the thriving West Coast beer community and building unique venues that celebrate beer. 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.”

In addition to the Seattle Airport Way brewery, the acquisition includes the company’s four Seattle brewpubs, Elysian Capitol Hill, Elysian Tangletown, Elysian Fields and Elysian BAR.
Anheuser-Busch’s purchase of Elysian is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2015. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Elysian Brewing was founded in 1995 by principals Dick Cantwell, Joe Bisacca and David Buhler. Elysian’s first Seattle location, a 220-seat beer hall and main brewery, opened in 1996 on Capitol Hill, Seattle’s most populous neighborhood. Known for variety, Elysian has brewed more than 350 beers since it opened. The brewer currently distributes its brands in 11 states: Washington, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and New York, as well as internationally in Vancouver BC and Alberta, Canada; Taiwan; Australia and Japan.