Blue Point Brewery Sold To Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch has announced on Feb. 5 that it will acquire Blue Point Brewing Company, the Long Island craft brewers with more than 40 beer varieties. Blue Point was founded in 1997 in Patchogue, N.Y. by Mark Burford and Pete Cotter, and eventually became known as one of the nation's top craft brewers. Blue Point's most popular beers include Toasted Lager, Hoptical Illusion, Blueberry Ale, Sour Cherry Imperial Stout, and others. The flagship brand, Toasted Lager, won the World Beer Cup in 2006.

Anheuser-Busch will help the brewery expand its operational capacity, while the original Patchogue brewery will continue to operate under the direction of its founders. "Together, our talented brewing team and Anheuser-Busch will have the resources to create new and exciting beers and share our portfolio with even more beer lovers," said Mark Burford.

"As we welcome Blue Point into the Anheuser-Busch family of brands, we look forward to working with Mark and Peter to accelerate the growth of the Blue Point portfolio and expand to new markets, while preserving the heritage and innovation of the brands," said Luiz Edmond, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. The sale is expected to close later this year.