Jackson Jambalaya

Update from the Beer Wars. The Wall Street Journal reports Anheuser-Busch "agreed to buy Chicago’s Goose Island, which makes such upscale brews as Pere Jacques, a Belgian-style abbey ale, and Matilda, a Belgian-style pale ale. A four-pack of Matilda, which contains 7% alcohol, will set you back around $12.

The acquisition demonstrates how Anheuser is trying to capitalize on the rapid growth in high-end, high-margin beer in the U.S. at a time when sales of mass-market brews are languishing.

Goose Island began as a brew pub on Chicago’s North side in 1988. Now it’s one of the fastest-growing small breweries in the U.S. and part of a renaissance that has transformed a country that was once a laughingstock in beer-making circles into a hotbed of innovation.

The craft-beer segment grew 11% by volume in the U.S. last year, while the industry was down about 1% overall. Crafts account for about 5% of industry volumes and 8% of retail revenue, according to the Brewers Association, an industry group.

Anheuser makes some of its own craft-style beers, like Shock Top, a Belgian-style wheat ale, but Dave Peacock, president of its U.S. division, said Monday: “We really needed to radically change our position in the high end.” Article

Looks like the Beer Wars are anything but cold.