[1]Budweiser could have quite the marketing challenge in front of it as it prepares to roll out a new beer, called Budweiser Extra [2]—aka B(E)—nationally. The new brew, which has been test-marketed in dozens of cities, contains caffeine, ginseng, guarina extract and fruit flavors in an apparent attempt to grab market share from cocktails that contain Red Bull [3] and its competitors as mixers.
But some knee-jerk consumer reaction is simply, "EEEWWW!" This story [4] in yesterday’s New York Times notes, “Various people who tasted it at my request noted NyQuil [5] in B(E)’s bouquet and hints of white zinfandel and cherry cola on the tongue.”
Meanwhile, a quick survey of some Web posts [6] indicated confusion, at the very least, about the beverage’s raison d’etre. Says one person at this link [7]: “So why would you mix caffeine with a depressant? To negate the depressant aspect of alcohol? Does that even work?”
We’re not sure we want to know.
—Posted by Catharine P. Taylor