Soon enough, craft beer drinkers will be able to experience Four Peaks Brewing Company's famous Kiltlifter in more places than just Arizona -- a lot more places.
The Tempe-based brewing company has been acquired by Anheuser-Busch, a Friday announcement from the company confirmed.
According to the release, Four Peaks will be the sixth company to join Anheuser-Busch, which already includes Good Island Beer Company, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company and Golden Road Brewing.
Four Peaks will continue to brew its own beer, according to a release.
“Arizona has a rapidly-growing fan base for craft beer and we look forward to more opportunities to share what Four Peaks is about within our local community, and beyond,” added Randy Schultz, Four Peaks co-founder.
Four Peaks opened in 1996 with his original location along 8th Street near Dorsey Lane in Tempe, a hop skip and a jump away from Arizona State University. It has three other locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
The deal is expected to close within the first quarter of 2016.
Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement on the announcement:
This is truly an Arizona success story, and the American Dream in action. Big congrats are in order for the team at Four Peaks who worked hard for two decades to get to this moment. Now, people all across the country can experience what we in Arizona have been experiencing for a long time, an ice cold beer from Four Peaks Brewery – made right here in our state.
Some users took to Twitter to express concerns over the small-town brewery being bought by a gigantic company, while others congratulated the company.
.@PrintsInReverse We’re staying here – our roots are in AZ & we’ve cultivated great relationships. AZ is home. ?
— Four Peaks Brewing (@fourpeaksbrew) December 18, 2015
"Our pubs, our team, and our dedication to brewing great craft beer and our community isn't changing," the brewery said in one response.
We have some really cool things brewing for Raj ? https://t.co/eXzw6Gndev
— Four Peaks Brewing (@fourpeaksbrew) December 18, 2015
While members of the Arizona Craft Beer Guild say they are happy on a personal level for the owners of Four Peak, they're also worried about what this means for Arizona's growing beer industry.
Consolidation represents a threat to local breweries because it effects our ability to gain access to markets, raw ingredients, and resources," Rob Rullmer, with the guild, said.
Some beer aficionados also expressed concern about the sale.
"I don't like it if changes. I like the micro breweries staying small," said one couple who had just finished dining at Four Peaks.
