Anheuser-Busch to buy Asheville's Wicked Weed

The popular western North Carolina brewery started making beer five years ago and has since expanded to include a robust sour- and barrel-aged beer lineup. In a statement, the brewery said its founding ownership will continue to lead the company in their same roles.

“This is an exciting time for the entire brewing team,” co-founder Walt Dickinson said. “Our ability to create a wide range of really well executed beers that are focused on creativity, quality and drinkability is what makes Wicked Weed great. We have chosen to partner with The High End to position ourselves to make Wicked Weed what we imagined it could be when we first sat at a craft beer bar and talked about opening a brewery."

Anheuser-Busch owns brands like Budweiser, Busch and Michelob. The company's High End brand includes Stella Artois, Shock Top and Goose Island.

The sale is subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dickinson said the sale gives the brewery more resources to brew new beers and reach more craft beer drinkers. But the sale also means Wicked Weed loses some ability to vote in state beer issues.

"While we are disheartened to hear of the sale of Wicked Weed Brewing Co. to Anheuser Busch, we wish our friends at Wicked Weed all the best," the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild said in a statement. "They have certainly made a profound impact on the Asheville beer scene, and they’ve helped raise the profile of North Carolina as a craft beer state.

"Since our primary mission is to represent our state’s independent craft brewers, Wicked Weed can no longer be a voting member of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. However we sincerely hope they will continue to work alongside us as an affiliate member of our guild as we strive to make North Carolina a nationwide leader in craft brewing."