Redd's Cranberry Ale 6Pk

Redd's Cranberry Ale 6Pk is a 5% ABV fruit-forward ale sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, brewed with cranberry and apple flavors. Originally released in 2014 as part of Redd's Limited Pick series, this seasonal expression developed a loyal following that prompted subsequent limited re-releases.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Fruit Ale  |  Brewery: Redd's Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Redd's Brewing Company operates under the Molson Coors umbrella out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unlike hard ciders, which derive alcohol from fermented apple juice, Redd's Cranberry Ale is a true ale — its alcohol comes from fermented malted barley grain using a warm fermentation method. The base ingredient list includes water, corn syrup (dextrose), barley malt, yeast, hop extract, sucrose, citric acid, natural cranberry flavor, and caramel color. The cranberry expression distinguishes itself from the flagship Apple Ale by leading with tart, berry-driven character rather than straight orchard fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cranberry juice dominates the nose immediately, bright and unmistakably fruity. A subtle undercurrent of apple and light malt sweetness rounds out the aromatics without adding heaviness.

Taste: The entry is sweet and tart with fresh cranberry flavor up front, segueing into a mid-palate where crisp apple notes emerge and provide balance. A soft blonde-ale backbone — think white bread and light grain — supports the fruit without introducing any noticeable hop bitterness.

Finish: The finish is crisp, clean, and easy-going with low-medium body. Lingering tartness from the cranberry fades quickly, leaving a refreshing, lightly sweet close.

How to Drink Redd's Cranberry Ale

Serve cold, ideally between 38–45°F, straight from the bottle or poured into a pint glass to release the cranberry aromatics. This ale also works well in casual mixed drinks and beer cocktails:

• Cranberry Shandy: Combine with lemonade for a tangy, low-ABV warm-weather refresher that amplifies the ale's tart side.
• Cran-Mule: Mix with ginger beer and a lime squeeze — the cranberry tartness pairs naturally with ginger's spice.
• Beermosa: Blend with orange juice at brunch for a fruity, effervescent alternative to a traditional mimosa.

Best For

• Casual backyard gatherings during fall and winter months
• Fans of fruit-flavored ales seeking a cranberry alternative to apple-forward options
• Holiday entertaining where a festive, easy-drinking beer fits the table
• Introducing non-craft-beer drinkers to flavored ales with approachable sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redd's Cranberry Ale taste like? It delivers a sweet-tart cranberry flavor balanced by crisp apple notes on a light blonde-ale base, finishing clean and refreshing with no perceptible hop bitterness.

How does Redd's Cranberry Ale compare to Redd's Apple Ale? Both share the same 5% ABV blonde-ale foundation, but the Cranberry Ale leads with tart berry character rather than the sweeter orchard-fruit profile of the flagship Apple Ale. The cranberry version reads noticeably more tart on the palate.

Is Redd's Cranberry Ale good for beginners? Yes — its low bitterness, fruit-forward flavor, and 5% ABV make it one of the most approachable flavored ales available for people who typically do not enjoy traditional beer.

Where is Redd's Cranberry Ale made? It is brewed by Redd's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company.

What foods pair well with Redd's Cranberry Ale? Roasted turkey or chicken benefits from the cranberry tartness acting like a sauce counterpart. Sharp white cheddar contrasts the ale's sweetness. Spinach salad with dried cranberries and pecans echoes the berry theme. Glazed ham complements the fruit-forward sweetness. Light pork sausages work well without overwhelming the ale's delicate body.

What sizes does Redd's Cranberry Ale come in? The standard retail format is a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, though availability has varied by market and release window.

Is Redd's Cranberry Ale worth the price? It positions as an entry-level flavored ale priced in line with other mainstream six-packs, making it an affordable option for anyone curious about fruit ales or looking for a seasonal change of pace.

Why Redd's Cranberry Ale?

Redd's Cranberry Ale occupies a specific niche: a malt-based cranberry ale in a market dominated by hard ciders and hard seltzers. Its distinction as an actual ale — fermented from malted grain rather than fruit juice — gives it a fuller body and different flavor architecture than cider-based cranberry drinks. The limited-release strategy, first introduced in 2014, has created genuine demand each time the expression returns. For drinkers who want cranberry tartness in a familiar beer format without venturing into sour or wild-ale territory, this remains one of the most straightforward options in the fruit-ale category.