• MSNBC/AP, Friday, January 26, 2007 12:45 PM

Anheuser-Busch is diversifying its suds portfolio with a line of malt liquor called Spykes. Flavors include Hot Chocolate, Hot Melons, Spicy Mango and Spicy Lime. The "spicy" refers to a slight, jalapeno-like burn on the finish.

Packaged in 2-ounce bottles, Spykes has 12% alcohol content and is slightly caffeinated for an added kick. It can be mixed with just about anything, or taken as a shot.

The brewer started test marketing Spykes in stores about a year ago, and in bars and restaurants within the last four months, according to Pat McGauley, Anheuser-Busch's vice president of product innovation. The strategy has been to build the brand slowly, by word of mouth, on the local retail level first.

A-B "is trying to make a play in the distilled-spirits arena, which appeals to young adults, and to women, who often do not favor the taste of beer," says Benj Steinman of Beer Marketer's Insights.

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