Pernicious pact?

• Position: STATEWIDE: West

Was Wicked Weed's sale to Budweiser's parent a savvy business deal or a total sellout? The Asheville brewer--popular ales include Lunatic Blonde and Pernicious IPA--will join the beer behemoth's The High End lineup of craft and import beers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Reactions from the craft-beer community ranged from congratulatory to "how could you?" For years, craft brewers have questioned AB/InBev's marketing and distribution practices, which they say blocks shelf space for smaller brands. Some bottle shops said they will no longer carry Wicked Weed products, while several breweries canceled partnerships with the 5-year-old company...