Redd's Wicked Apple Bites 12Pk

Redd's Wicked Apple Bites 12Pk is a 12-pack of 7.5-ounce cans of flavored hard ale brewed at 12% ABV with bold, candy-sweet apple character. The compact Bites format pairs a higher alcohol content with a smaller serving size, making it a distinctive entry in the flavored malt beverage category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin  |  Style: Flavored Hard Ale  |  Brewer: Redd's Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Redd's Brewing Company operates under the Molson Coors umbrella out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Wicked Apple Bites uses a base of barley malt and corn syrup (dextrose) fermented with hop extract, then flavored with natural apple flavoring, citric acid, and malic acid to replicate a tart-sweet apple profile. Caramel color is added for visual depth, and sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate serve as preservatives. The 7.5-ounce can format is the key differentiator from the standard 10-ounce Redd's Wicked Apple — the smaller vessel keeps the drink cold through the last sip while naturally moderating intake at this elevated 12% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe red and green apple dominate immediately, leaning toward apple candy rather than fresh orchard fruit. A faint malty sweetness and light floral note sit beneath the fruit, with traces of caramel and white sugar syrup.

Taste: The entry is sweet and boldly apple-forward, closer to crisp apple cider than a traditional ale. Mid-palate, a mild grain backbone emerges alongside notes of fruit peel, citrus, and a touch of herbal earthiness. The 12% ABV contributes a noticeable warming presence that rounds out the sweetness without becoming harsh.

Finish: Crisp and moderately short, with lingering apple sweetness and a mild tart snap from the citric and malic acid blend. The grain character fades quickly, leaving a clean, candy-apple echo.

How to Drink Wicked Apple Bites

Serve ice-cold straight from the can — the 7.5-ounce format is designed to stay chilled throughout. For a more sessionable approach, pour over ice in a tall glass with a squeeze of fresh lime.

• Apple Mule: Use a Bites can as the boozy base in place of vodka, topped with ginger beer and lime — the apple and ginger complement each other naturally.
• Wicked Shandy: Split a can with equal parts lemonade over ice for a refreshing warm-weather drink that tempers the 12% ABV.
• Caramel Apple Punch: Combine with caramel vodka and sparkling cider in a punch bowl — the apple candy notes amplify the fall-themed flavor profile.

Best For

• Tailgates and outdoor gatherings where a compact, high-ABV option beats hauling a full case
• Fans of sweet, fruit-forward drinks looking for something stronger than standard hard cider
• Game-day parties where individual 7.5 oz servings keep things simple
• Late-night bonfires or cookouts when fewer cans with more impact is the goal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wicked Apple Bites taste like? It tastes like intensely sweet apple candy with a mild grain backbone and a noticeable alcohol warmth from its 12% ABV. The overall profile leans more toward apple-flavored soda than traditional beer, with a tart, crisp snap on the finish.

How does Wicked Apple Bites compare to Angry Orchard? Angry Orchard is a true hard cider made from fermented apple juice at around 5% ABV, while Wicked Apple Bites is a flavored hard ale brewed from barley malt at 12% ABV. Wicked Apple Bites is significantly sweeter, stronger, and more candy-like, whereas Angry Orchard tends to deliver a drier, more natural apple character.

Is Wicked Apple Bites good for sipping? Yes — the 7.5-ounce can format was specifically designed for controlled sipping given the high 12% ABV. Drinking it ice-cold straight from the can is the most common approach.

Where is Wicked Apple Bites made? Wicked Apple Bites is brewed by Redd's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which operates as a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company.

What foods pair well with Wicked Apple Bites? Pulled pork sliders work well, as the apple sweetness mirrors a classic pork-and-applesauce combination. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the sugar-forward profile. Cinnamon donuts or apple fritters lean into the candy apple theme. Spicy chicken wings create a sweet-heat contrast, and smoked sausage echoes the malty undertones.

What sizes does Wicked Apple Bites come in? Wicked Apple Bites is sold in 7.5-ounce slim cans, most commonly available as an 8-pack or 12-pack.

Is Wicked Apple Bites worth the price? It positions as a value-oriented, high-ABV flavored malt beverage — the 12% ABV in a 12-pack of 7.5-ounce cans delivers more alcohol per dollar than most standard hard ciders or flavored ales, making it a competitive option in its category.

Why Wicked Apple Bites?

The 7.5-ounce Bites format is what genuinely separates this product from other apple-flavored malt beverages. At 12% ABV — considerably higher than the 5-8% range typical of hard ciders and flavored ales — the smaller can size is a practical design choice, not just a novelty. It holds an Untappd community rating of 3.2 out of 5 across more than 17,000 ratings, reflecting consistent approval from drinkers who appreciate big, unapologetic apple sweetness in a potent package. For anyone who finds standard apple ciders too mild or lower-ABV flavored ales too forgettable, Wicked Apple Bites fills a specific gap with a bold, concentrated pour.