Redd's Wicked Apple 12Pk

Redd's Wicked Apple 12Pk is a high-strength flavored hard ale brewed at 8% ABV, sold in a convenient 12-pack format. Produced by Redd's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — a subsidiary of Molson Coors — this hard ale stands apart in the flavored malt beverage category for its notably potent ABV and intensely fruity apple character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8% (16 Proof)  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Flavored Hard Ale  |  Brewery: Redd's Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Redd's Wicked Apple is brewed — not fermented like a cider — using a base of barley malt and corn syrup (dextrose), with hop extract added during the brewing process. The apple flavor comes from natural flavoring along with citric and malic acids, which replicate the tart bite of fresh apples. Caramel color rounds out the visual presentation, and importantly, the product never uses high fructose corn syrup. At 8% ABV, the Wicked line is the stronger sibling to the original Redd's Apple Ale, designed for drinkers who want more intensity in both flavor and alcohol content.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, unmistakable red and green apple dominates the nose, followed by subtle hints of fruit peel, white sugar syrup, and a faint grassy-herbal undertone. A light caramel sweetness rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry hits with bold, juicy apple that sits between candy-sweet and orchard-fresh. At mid-palate, grain and light citrus notes emerge, balanced by a moderate sweetness that avoids becoming cloying. The 8% ABV is remarkably well-hidden beneath the fruit-forward profile, giving the ale a deceptively smooth, easy-drinking quality.

Finish: Medium in length with a crisp, refreshing close. A lightly creamy, slightly syrupy mouthfeel lingers alongside medium-plus carbonation, leaving behind a clean apple impression.

How to Drink Redd's Wicked Apple

Best served ice-cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pint glass to appreciate the amber-gold color. Its bold sweetness and high ABV also make it a surprisingly versatile mixer. Use it as the base in an Apple Mule with ginger beer and lime for an effervescent kick. Combine it with fireball-style cinnamon whiskey for a Wicked Cinnamon Apple shot-and-chaser pairing that amplifies the autumnal spice. Mix with cranberry juice and a squeeze of lemon for a Wicked Harvest Punch that works well in large-batch formats.

Best For

• Tailgates, cookouts, and outdoor gatherings where bold flavor and higher ABV are welcome
• Drinkers transitioning from hard seltzers or ciders who want more intensity
• Game-day watch parties stocked alongside other flavored malt beverages
• Warm-weather sessions where a crisp, cold, fruit-forward ale hits the spot

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redd's Wicked Apple taste like? Redd's Wicked Apple delivers a bold, juicy apple flavor with moderate sweetness, light citrus and grain undertones, and a crisp, refreshing finish. The 8% ABV is well-masked by the fruit-forward profile, making it taste deceptively smooth.

How does Redd's Wicked Apple compare to Twisted Tea? Both are flavored malt beverages at similar price points, but Redd's Wicked Apple is sweeter and fruit-driven at 8% ABV, while Twisted Tea Original leans toward a brewed-tea flavor at 5% ABV. Redd's Wicked Apple packs a significantly higher alcohol punch per serving.

Is Redd's Wicked Apple good for beginners? Its sweet, approachable apple flavor and well-hidden alcohol make it very accessible to new drinkers, though the 8% ABV warrants moderation — it is considerably stronger than most mainstream beers and hard seltzers.

Where is Redd's Wicked Apple made? Redd's Wicked Apple is brewed by Redd's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The brand operates as a subsidiary of Molson Coors, one of the world's largest brewing companies.

What foods pair well with Redd's Wicked Apple? Smoked pulled pork pairs well, as the apple sweetness cuts through the richness. Sharp cheddar cheese complements the fruit notes. Grilled bratwurst echoes the Milwaukee heritage. Cinnamon-dusted churros or apple pie lean into the dessert-like apple character. Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the ale's sweetness as a cooling counterpoint.

What sizes does Redd's Wicked Apple come in? Redd's Wicked Apple is commonly available in single cans and in 12-pack configurations, with individual can sizes typically at 10 oz in the multi-pack format.

Is Redd's Wicked Apple worth the price? Redd's Wicked Apple positions as a value-tier flavored malt beverage, and its 8% ABV delivers more alcohol per dollar than most mainstream competitors in the category. For drinkers who enjoy sweet, fruit-forward ales, the 12-pack represents solid everyday value.

Why Redd's Wicked Apple?

The defining differentiator here is straightforward: 8% ABV in a package that tastes like it should be half that strength. Where many flavored malt beverages sacrifice drinkability for potency, Redd's Wicked Apple manages to keep its apple flavor front and center while the alcohol rides quietly beneath the surface. It is not a cider and not gluten-free — it is a brewed hard ale built on barley malt and natural apple flavoring. With over 17,000 ratings on Untappd and a 3.2 out of 5 average, it has earned a loyal following among drinkers who want a bold, sweet, high-ABV option without reaching for malt liquor or spirits-based cocktails.