Anheuser-Busch has abandoned its Spykes malt beverage after pressure from advocacy groups that claimed that Spykes was being marketed to underage drinkers--what they called a "shameful ploy to market malt liquor to the Lunchables set."
Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that 30 state attorneys general sent a letter to Anheuser Chief Executive Officer August A. Busch IV, expressing their "serious concern" about the company's promotion and sale of caffeine-infused alcoholic beverages.
Spykes drinks contain 12% alcohol by volume, plus caffeine, ginseng and guarana. Flavors include "Spicy Lime" and "Hot Chocolate." The Web site for Spykes says the drinks can be consumed "as a shot" or be used to "spice up your beer."
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nutrition-advocacy group has said that Spykes drink marketing is a "shameful ploy to market malt liquor to the Lunchables set," referring to Kraft Foods Inc.'s children's lunch kits.
Anheuser claims that Spykes "was unduly attacked by perennial antialcohol groups."
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