Anheuser-Busch acquires craft brewer Karbach Brewing Co.
Karbach Brewing Co was founded on Karbach Street in Houston in 2011. Production reached 17,000 barrels in 2013, then grew to 40,000 barrels the following year.
A new brewhouse was added to the business at the end of 2014, and an on-site restaurant, tap room and biergarten was opened in May 2015.
Anheuser-Busch says it will invest in the brewery to create a brewing capacity of 150,000 barrels a year by 2019.
Karbach: ‘We have maxed out our growth potential on our own’
Karbach will join Anheuser-Busch’s portfolio of craft beer brands within The High End, a business unit focusing on craft and import.
Co-founder Chuck Robertson said: "We are so grateful for the growth we've experienced in our first phase of Karbach, but we have maxed out our growth potential on our own.
"A partnership with The High End will open doors to keep innovating and experimenting with our unique styles and continue to expand.
"Karbach will retain a high level of independence, and the existing management and brewing teams will continue to drive culture and strategy, all while having fun building our brands."
Texas boasts nearly 200 craft brewers. Karbach’s brews include flagship brand Hopadillo IPA, as well as a kolsch Love Street, a pale ale Weekend Warrior and Weisse Versa Wheat.
Felipe Szpigel, president, The High End, said: "Karbach has built a unique, thriving brand rooted in the Texas spirit.
"From the beginning, it has shown creativity and passion with the super beers it brews, and has been able to use its unique offerings to appeal to the laid back lifestyle that resonates with Texans.”
Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Other craft breweries in Anheuser-Busch’s The High End portfolio are Goose Island, Blue Point, 10 Barrel, Elysian, Golden Road, Virtue Cider, Four Peaks, Breckenridge Brewery, Devils Backbone and SpikedSeltzer.
