New Brew: Caffeinated Beer

Anheuser-Busch has been releasing a caffeinated beer with ginseng and guarana called B(E) (about $6 for four 10-ounce cans) in Boston and other national test markets since November. It hit the shelves in the rest of New England last week. But even before A-B brought its product to town, Massachusetts beer lovers could get a caffeine kick from their brew.
In September, New Century Brewing in Randolph released MoonShot (about $7 for six 12-ounce bottles), a Pilsner with 45 milligrams of caffeine. New Century founder Rhonda Kallman was inspired to create the beer while dancing at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. She was drinking light beer, then switched to caffeinated cola. The sensation she got from the combination made her think, "Wow. How can I bottle this feeling?"