Spykes

by Anheuser-Busch

2005 – 2007 GONE FOREVER

Gone. Anheuser-Busch stopped production in May 2007, citing 'limited volume potential and unfounded criticism'. The trademark was cancelled in 2013, and the product has not returned.

Last verified Nov 9, 2026

Two-ounce bottles of 12% alcohol malt flavoring, laced with caffeine, ginseng and guarana, in lime, mango, melon and hot chocolate. Meant to be added to a beer or knocked back as a shot, and gone within two years.

🧾 One more thingMore than two dozen state attorneys general wrote to Anheuser-Busch saying the bright little bottles appealed to underage drinkers. Federal regulators also flagged the labels: the health warning was crammed in too tightly to meet the legal limit.

Filed under: Drinks & Sodas · the ’00s & later

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📅 Timeline

2005Anheuser-Busch began selling Spykes on October 22 in test markets, according to its trademark filing.
2007Spykes went nationwide in January; in May, after criticism from state attorneys general, Anheuser-Busch stopped making it.
2013The Spykes trademark was cancelled in November.

❓ People also ask

Why was Spykes discontinued?

Anheuser-Busch cited limited sales potential and what it called unfounded criticism. More than two dozen state attorneys general had objected to its caffeine and its appeal to young drinkers.

What was Spykes?

A 12% alcohol flavored malt beverage in 2-ounce bottles, with caffeine, ginseng and guarana, sold as a flavoring for beer or a shot.

🧾 Sources

NBC News / Associated Press, Anheuser-Busch to stop making Spykes (2007)
St. Louis Public Radio, Anheuser-Busch will stop selling Spykes (2007)
USPTO TSDR, SPYKES trademark record (serial 78649498) (2005)

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