(Seattle,WA) – The craft beer community was stunned to learn last week that Seattle beer favorite Elysian Brewing was the latest craft brewery to be acquired by corporate giants AB-InBev. We reached out to another pioneer of craft beer, located also in Seattle, Charles Finkel of Pike Brewing Company. Here are Mr. Finkel’s words on the matter.

“We have enjoyed a good relationship with Elysian since they were founded. They participate in events like Pike Chocofest for Puget Sound Keepers (coming up Feb. 8), Pike Women in Beer for Planned Parenthood, Piketoberfest for the Market Foundation and others. Our Harlot’s Harvest is available at their pumpkin festival. Dick Cantwell worked for us at Pike and I have respect for him as a creative brewer, a good writer, and an articulate spokesperson for Washington Brewers Guild and The Brewer’s Association, our national craft beer orginization. Rose Ann and I have been friends with him, Dave and Joe for years. They will continue to be our friends, only richer! They should be congratulated for their great achievement, building a company from scratch, making it a success, and then selling it to a big company. It reads like a Horatio Alger story! That the big company is the brand that we all love to hate is the fly in the ointment! Since beer and religion are kin, I am reminded of a biblical quote, “Judge not, lest ye be judged”. I am in no position to judge them or their motives for selling. The Pike Family wishes them and the employees of the company, many of whom we also know, great success. “