The line of flavored malt beverages from Anheuser-Busch Cos. -- in small, colorful bottles and flavors such as "hot melons" and "hot chocolate" -- became too hot to handle after critics accused the St. Louis brewer of creating a product that attracted minors.
The brand "has not performed up to expectations," said Michael J. Owens, vice president of marketing at A-B's domestic beer subsidiary, in a statement Thursday afternoon. "Due to its limited volume potential and unfounded criticism, we are ceasing production of Spykes."