Beer named for turnpike exits maddens MAAD

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 11 (UPI) -- A New Jersey brewer says his decision to name his craft beers after turnpike exits has been misinterpreted by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

Gene Muller, owner of Flying Fish Brewery of Cherry Hill, N.J., the state's largest craft brewery, told the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill he did not mean to encourage drinking and driving by giving his beers such names as Exit 11 Hoppy American Wheat Ale and Exit 4 American Trippel Bottle Conditioned Ale.

Mindy Lazar, executive director of New Jersey's MADD chapter, said she was relieved to hear about Muller's comments. But she said the marketing campaign may encourage drunken driving.

"Our main concern, and it seems to be his concern as well, is that people not drink and drive," Lazar said. "We're about saving lives. We've lost so many people and we're working very hard to make sure we eliminate drunk driving."

Muller said the beer series was meant to honor the state's history and culture by recognizing each of the New Jersey Turnpike's 18 exits.

"Our families ride on the same roads as everybody else, so we're all very strongly against drinking and driving," he told the newspaper.

"This whole Exit Series has nothing to do with cars, driving or roads. It's to celebrate different areas in New Jersey. 'What exit?' is shorthand for, 'What part of the state do you live in?'"