Popular Colorado craft brewery bought by Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch announced Tuesday (12/22/15) that it is buying Littleton-based Breckenridge Brewery. Breckenridge has been crafting beer in Colorado for 25 years.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Breckenridge is joining a business unit of Anheuser-Busch called The High End, which includes craft breweries Goose Island Beer Company, Blue Point Beer Company, 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company, Golden Road Brewing and Four Peaks Brewing Company.

“We’re excited about the partnership and have been encouraged to continue on our path and become more innovative moving forward,” said Todd Usry, President of Breckenridge Brewery. “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.”

Anheuser-Busch says The High End business unit was created to “provide its unique craft and European import brands with autonomy and support for growth, while fostering a collaborative environment for the brightest brewers in the beer community.”

The sale includes Breckenridge’s new production brewery and Farm House restaurant in Littleton, and original brewpub and current innovation center in the mountain town of Breckenridge.

The current management group, Breckenridge-Wynkoop will continue to own and operate its remaining businesses including: Ale House at Amato’s in Denver, Breckenridge Ale House in Grand Junction, Breckenridge Colorado Craft in Denver, The Cherry Cricket in Denver, Mainline in Fort Collins, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. in Colorado Springs and Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver.