Busch introduces fruit-infused beer

By Jim Salter, AP Business Writer | April 26, 2007

ST. LOUIS --Anheuser-Busch on Thursday rolled out fruit-flavored versions of its Michelob Ultra brand as the nation's largest brewer continues to branch out from its line of traditional beers.

The fruit-infused beers are available only through Labor Day and come in three flavors -- Pomegranate Raspberry, Lime Cactus and Tuscan Orange Grapefruit.

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. in recent years has branched out to different brews aimed at attracting drinkers in their 20s -- drinks that include so-called "malternatives" such as the Bacardi Silver line of flavored malt beverages. . . . .

Some critics contend the flavored beverages attract underage drinkers. Earlier this month, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse chairman Joseph Califano Jr. criticized an Anheuser-Busch product called Spykes, a flavored malt beverage sold in 2-ounce bottles meant to be mixed with beer or other drinks, or consumed as a shot.

Califano is also critical of the fruit-flavored beer.

"Coming on the heels of Spykes, to me it smells of a policy directed at making beer more attractive for underage drinkers," Califano said. "What 25-, 30-year-old guy or even gal drinking beer is going to flavor it? I don't think so."

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