Source: PRNewswire Pubdate: 3 March 1998 Editors note: We seldom use PRNewswire stories, even though they are sometimes reprinted in business publications. I make an exception for this one because (1) they do not try to downplay fact that they use hemp seed, (2) it is the brew I pass around in the MAP CHAT boardroom, and (3) a sometimes visitor to the boardroom who imports the hemp seeds for the brews supports our issues. Richard - FREDERICK BREWING: ALL HEMPED-UP OVER HEMPEN ALE BarleyCorn Readers Choose Hempen Ale(TM) as New Craft Beer of the Year FREDERICK, Md., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The public has spoken. Readers of BarleyCorn's regional edition, Bay Schooner, the Mid-Atlantic's leading beer publication, have voted Frederick Brewing Co.'s (Nasdaq: BLUE) Hempen Ale(TM) 1997 New Craft Beer of the Year. Additionally, in a poll of BarleyCorn writers and editors, Frederick Brewing Co.'s fall seasonal, Hopfest(TM) 1997, featuring crystal hops, was chosen as National New Craft Beer of the Year. Although different single-variety hops are used in each year, Hopfest(TM) 1995, featuring Ultra hops, was also named BarleyCorn's 1995 New Craft Beer of the Year. This is not the first time Hempen Ale(TM) has been recognized. As North America's first beer brewed with hemp seeds, Hempen Ale(TM), a brown ale, and its lighter counterpart Hempen Gold(TM) , a cream ale, have garnered international acclaim from beer writers and consumers alike as the year's most innovative new beer products. Both are currently available in 27 states and the District of Columbia. First released in April 1997, Hempen Ale(TM) was awarded a bronze medal for brewing excellence in the herb/spice category at the 16th Great American Beer Festival(TM), the nation's largest and most prestigious beer event. Hempen Ale(TM) was also an award-winner at the recent Hemp Industries Association conference, where it was recognized by HempWorld magazine for product innovation. The hemp seeds used in the brew do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, although hemp and marijuana are botanically related. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has approved both Hempen Ale(TM) and Hempen Gold(TM) for distribution. Frederick Brewing Co. recently merged with two other Maryland microbreweries, Wild Goose Brewery of Cambridge, MD and Brimstone Brewing Company of Baltimore, MD. Both will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries of Frederick Brewing Co., with all brewing operations transferred to Frederick. The three companies have combined 1997 sales of 35,000 barrels. Founded in 1992, Frederick Brewing Co. completed a successful initial public offering (IPO) in 1996. In March 1997, the company moved from a converted warehouse to a purpose-built, 57,000-square-foot facility, which has an annual capacity of 80,000 barrels and is expandable to 300,000. Frederick Brewing Co.'s beers are sold in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Free public tours and tastings are held at FBC's brewery every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Directions are available by calling the brewery at 888-258-7434, visiting the Frederick Brewing Co. Web site at http://www.fredbrew.com, or referring to the map on the bottom of a six-pack. Reservations are not required.