Frederick Brewing Company

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Frederick Brewing Company is an OTC-listed (ticker: FRBW) brewery in Frederick, Maryland, United States. The company's labels include Wildgoose, Blueridge, Little Kings, and others. Contract brewing is common at this brewery. The Wildgoose brand is available in traditional English style ales including IPA and an Oatmeal Stout.

In 2006, Frederick Brewing Company was sold to Flying Dog Ownership Group of Denver, CO. The newly formed entity will operate under the name Wild Goose Brewery, LLC and will share ownership with Flying Dog.

[edit] Hempen Ale

In 1997, Frederick Brewing caused significant controversy and press attention when it launched Hempen Ale, a creamy brown ale flavored with hemp seeds and a label decorated with Japanese Maple leaves that bore a striking resemblance to marijuana. The launch followed a two-year approval process involving the Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The product was an instant commercial success and received awards at beer festivals. The company garnered further attention after it was reported by Drudge and US News and World Report that President Clinton was served Hempen Ale aboard Air Force One, despite US military rules prohibiting hemp consumption.

[edit] References

Dan Morse, "Md. brewer going to seed -Hemp: A beer maker in Frederick is adding an unusual nutty flavor that is attracting attention from connoisseurs--and federal regulators.", The Sun (Baltimore, MD), June 23, 1997, Sec. News, Pg. B1.
Elise Ackerman, "The Latest Buzz on Hemp: U.S. farmers want the ban on cultivating the plant lifted", US News and World Report, March 15, 1999. Online copy