Frederick Brewing Co. brews caffeinated beer

Modern Brewery Age, Feb 21, 2005

AP--Frederick Brewing Co. has joined a growing number of malt beverage makers trying to generate a buzz with caffeine.

It makes a caffeinated lager called Third Rail for a San Francisco-based firm that markets the beer in northern California and hopes to expand distribution to the East Coast later this year, Frederick Brewing Co. executives said.

The product is part of a trend that includes B-to-the-E, a fruity concoction Anheuser-Busch Cos. started rolling out nationally last month, and local brews such as MoonShot, made by the New Century Brewing Co., and Mobius, brewed by the Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville, S.C.

The products follow the popularity of cocktails made with Red Bull, a highly caffeinated soft drink.

John Rodakis, Third Rail's chief executive officer, told The Frederick News-Post that inspiration came to him at a bar in 2003. "I was dragging that night and ordered a beer. But what I really needed was an energy drink. It was one of those light-bulb moments."

Rodakis said Third Rail--named for the high-voltage rail that powers electric trains--is perfect for sporting events, outdoor festivals and late-night clubbing.

It has less caffeine than a cup of coffee but more than a can of cola, Rodakis said. He said the caffeine has no taste in the light, Pilsener-style beer.

Frederick Brewing, owned by Cleveland-based Snyder International Brewing Group, is shipping about 1,000 cases of Third Rail a month, Rodakis said. The brewery also makes Wild Goose, Blue Ridge, Hudepohl and Little Kings beers.

The Third Rail deal is among a number of contracts for regional specialty brews that are helping Frederick Brewing recover from financial problems.

The company operates in a building in Frederick that was sold for $3.9 million in May to help pay down debt.

Company officers have said that Frederick Brewing expects to emerge from court-ordered receivership in Ohio next month, the News-Post reported.

John Niziolek, vice president of operations, said Third Rail fits his philosophy of small-batch brewing. "The craft brewing industry is supposed to be fun," he said. "I thought it was pretty cool."