Two of Canada’s leading brewers have announced plans to introduce separate lines of caffeinated beer. Molson’s ‘Kick’ and Labatt’s ‘Shok’ will contain guarana, an extract from a berry plant native to South America, described by Molson as “a natural source of caffeine.”

While the beer makers say the new brews are what their customers want, critics say the drinks could be more addictive and produce a dangerous mix of drugs.

Molson Canada’s Nathalie Masse says the brewery spent two years formulating the beer, and that guarana-laced drinks are common in Brazil and are becoming more popular in Canada.

“We are really close to our beer drinkers, and the idea of a beer with guarana was something really appealing to them,” says Masse. “Molson Kick is a beer that has a classic lager taste and the guarana adds to its crispness.”

Guarana is reputed to quicken perception, impair the appetite, increase urination and can delay sleep or prevent sleep altogether, causing a jittery feeling. Louise Knox at the Vancouver office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is not convinced that mixing guarana with beer is such a good idea.

“Alcohol is already a depressant, so I’m not sure how the two are going to co-relate. Any amount of alcohol when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle isn’t safe, regardless of what other additives are in there…all you end up with is a wide-awake drunk.”

Molson’s Kick has 5 percent alcohol by volume and comes in a “sleek, fast-chilling aluminum bottle.” The aluminum bottle will be available exclusively at bars and clubs. At retail outlets, it’s cans and glass bottles. Labatt’s product is a stronger beer at 6.9 percent alcohol and will be sold in a 250 ml can.

Naturopathic physician Dr. Kevin Jackson says it’s irresponsible on the part of the breweries to mix a stimulant with a depressant. He says he’s “surprised that Health Canada allowed this to happen. It’s obvious they’re targeting younger adults, and with caffeine having addiction qualities... adding it to another addictive substance is a concern. Studies show that teenagers and young adults often binge-drink and I think this is a potentially lethal combination.”

Jackson says the fact that Molson is touting guarana as a ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s without side-effects. “Caffeine is caffeine; the way it affects the adrenal glands, the way it affects the brain, is the same whether it’s natural or synthetic.”