Bud Tea?

A-B files trademark application for “Pier 21,” an alcohol tea.

Anheuser-Busch, which has cranked out dozens of new products since last year as it tries to jumpstart growth, appears poised to roll out an alcohol tea.

A-B last month filed a trademark application for “Pier 21,” described in the filing as an “alcoholic tea-based beverage.” There’s speculation A-B might test it later this year.

The application can be seen here.

Assuming A-B moves forward, it would be following Boston Beer’s Twisted Tea line. So far that’s been a successful, though small, product for the brewer of Samuel Adams. For the 13 weeks ended May 27, Twisted Tea sales increased 44% to more than 55,000 cases.

That said, overall volume for the flavored malt beverage line has been declining in volume and marketshare since 2002.

Pier 21 would be the latest niche product A-B has rolled out as it tries to ramp up growth after losing share and volume in 2005. Other entrants include blueberry beers, the Peels line of alcohol fruit juices and malt-based energy drinks B-to-the-E and Tilt.