The latest bombshell in the ongoing Anheuser-Busch buyouts of craft breweries has hit closer to home.

The beer megagiant announced this morning that it’s purchasing Seattle’s Elysian Brewing and its four brewpubs for an undisclosed amount.

“As the fastest growing brewer in Washington, their recipe is working. Elysian’s brands are an important addition to our high-end beer portfolio, and we look forward to working together,” Andy Goeler, A-B’s CEO for craft, said in a press release.

Added Dick Cantwell, Elysian co-founder and head brewer: “Throughout our journey we’ve been focused on brewing a portfolio of both classic and groundbreaking beers and supporting innovation and camaraderie in the beer industry through collaboration and experimentation. By joining with Anheuser-Busch we’ll be able to take the next steps to bring that energy and commitment to a larger audience.”

Brewbound.com's Chris Furnari reported this somewhat more interesting quote from Cantwell, a minority partner in the business: "We looked at a lot of possibilities over the years. This is not the outcome I had hoped for, but I am trying to make the best of it."

Elysian had to know the move would not sit well with the more hard-core crowd. A-B’s purchase of Bend-based 10 Barrel in November set off a firestorm of criticism and howls of betrayal by that brewery’s fans and industry observers alike.

The beer twitterverse quickly blew up over the latest announcement. Matt Derting, Elysian's Washington regional sales manager, tweeted: “I feel sick to my stomach. I never saw this coming … sorry, guys.”

Fellow Seattle brewer Fremont put it succinctly: “RIP @ElysianBrewing 1995-2015. We will never forget.”

Others pointed out the apparent new irony of Elysian's slogan for its Loser pale ale: "Corporate beer still sucks." (For Elysian's take on what that motto really means, and more on its new direction, check out this interview with Brewpublic). 

A-B previously purchased Chicago’s Goose Island in 2011, and also acquired New York’s Blue Point last year. It's also a one-third owner of the Craft Brew Alliance, which operates Redhook, Widmer and Kona.

Like those others, Elysian will no longer be recognized as a "craft brewery" by the Brewers Association, the industry trade group.