Four Peaks, the craft brewery that has been a focal point of Tempe business for the past two decades, has been sold to Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis-based behemoth that produces Budweiser and other popular brands, according to Four Peaks co-founder Jim Scussel.
Budweiser says Four Peaks will be its sixth acquisition for an evolving marketing and distribution plan that emphasizes craft beers. Among those also recently added to the new lineup are Goose Island Beer Co., Blue Point Brewing Co., 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company and Golden Road Brewing.
Four Peaks has gained a huge following for its Kilt Lifter brand, which has become popular among Arizona beer drinkers. Four Peaks sold about 70,000 of its Kilt Lifter label last year. Said Scussel:
“As the leading craft brewery in Arizona, we’re proud of what we’ve built and of our brewing heritage. We’re excited to build on that success with The High End.” Randy Schultz, co-founder of the company with Scussel, added that the state has become a centerpiece of the craft beer market, and that the company looks forward to new growth opportunities that will go with the Anheuser-Busch alliance.
