[photo by Scott Stewart~Sun-Times]

Beer giant Anheuser-Busch, maker of Budweiser, is buying out Chicago's Goose Island Beer Co., according to a release issued today.

The deal is worth some $38 million, with Anheuser-Busch also buying out the Craft Brewer Alliance's 42 percent stake in Goose Island. Anheuser-Busch has a minority stake in CBA.

Goose Island fans can expect more and better beers, says Goose Island founder and president John Hall in a statement on his company's website. Hall explains that the brewery has "outgrown the capacity of our brewery."

"Recently, we've even had to limit production of some classic and medal-winning styles," he says.

That shouldn't be an issue any longer. The Fulton Street facility is getting a $1.3 million upgrade "as early as this summer" as part of the deal, the company says.

Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall, meanwhile, is stepping down and will be replaced by Brett Porter, currently head brewer. Hall will continue on in a consulting role for the brewery.