Anheuser-Busch to acquire San Diego’s Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Spirits started in 2007 as Ballast Point Spirits - an off-shoot of Ballast Point Brewing - but became a separate company headed by former Ballast Point executives after Constellation Brands bought the craft brewer.
In 2016 the company built a 50,000 square foot production facility in San Diego, opening an accompanying bar and restaurant to explore innovative cocktails in 2017.
It has experienced double and triple-growth since inception and now distributes to 34 states.
The company now has seven premium mixers, 14 canned cocktails and 16 spirits across whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.
Yuseff Cherney, founder, Cutwater Spirits, said: "We're excited to join Anheuser-Busch and work with the team there to bring our spirits and canned cocktails to the world.
"We're thrilled to have found a partner that understands our vision and will give us the tools and resources to grow and thrive".
Anheuser-Busch says it will help Cutwater Spirits expand across the US.
We’re excited to welcome the Cutwater Spirits team to the Anheuser-Busch family! We look forward to bringing their award-winning distilled spirits, mixers, and ready-to-enjoy canned cocktails to consumers across the U.S. Learn more here: https://t.co/Qsjqc7YVG0pic.twitter.com/tEqSwMnOlU
— Anheuser-Busch (@AnheuserBusch) February 20, 2019
As the US arm of the world’s largest brewer AB InBev, Anheuser-Busch is behind brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois. But it has been broadening its non-beer portfolio, for example with the acquisitions of organic energy drink Hiball and sparkling juice Alta Palla in 2017. Other brands include Ritas, Spiked Seltzer and Babe Rose.
It has also bought beer ratings website RateBeer.com, while in Canada AB InBev has formed a partnership with Tilray to research non-alcohol beverages with THC and CBD.
