Dick Cantwell confirmed this AM via email that he has now officially resigned from Anheuser-Busch and Elysian. Cantwell says, ” I’m a craft brewer, first of all, for all its muddiness of definition, whatever I end up doing.” He is currently working on a book on wood-aging with Peter Bouckaert (of New Belgium) that he’ll have plenty of time to focus on now. Who knows where things will go after that…

Cantwell was not pleased with the decision to sell Elysian to Anheuser-Busch. See this brief interview for more of his initial reaction to the acquisition.

Cantwell is one of the co-founders of Elysian, and has been the Head Brewer there since the beginning. He’s also one of the friendliest, and most respected, people in the beer industry. Things will certainly be different without him around. Best of luck to Dick, and thank you for making some of my favorite beers over the years.