Redd's Wicked Sour Apple 12Pk

Redd's Wicked Sour Apple 12Pk is a 12-pack of 8% ABV fruit-flavored ale that delivers a bold, tart green apple punch with notable sweetness. As a higher-strength offshoot of the original Redd's Apple Ale, the Wicked Sour Apple variant carries a 3.5 out of 5 rating on Untappd from over 900 user reviews, earning praise for its balance of tartness and drinkability.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Fruit Ale  |  Producer: Redd's Brewing Company (Molson Coors)

Production & Heritage

Redd's Brewing Company operates out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a subsidiary of Molson Coors, one of the world's largest brewing conglomerates. Despite its apple-forward character, Wicked Sour Apple is brewed as an ale — not a hard cider — using water, corn syrup (dextrose), barley malt, yeast, and hop extract alongside natural flavors, citric acid, and malic acid to achieve its sour apple profile. The "Wicked" line distinguishes itself from the standard Redd's Apple Ale by pushing the ABV to 8% and amplifying the fruit intensity, with this particular variant leaning into tart, green apple territory rather than the sweeter red apple character of the flagship.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright green apple dominates immediately, followed by a candied sweetness reminiscent of sour apple confections. A faint malty grain note sits underneath but stays well in the background.

Taste: The entry is boldly tart, with juicy sour apple flooding the palate from the first sip. Mid-palate brings a balancing sweetness — some drinkers liken it to Apple Fanta with an alcoholic edge — while malic and citric acid keep things crisp and prevent the sugar from becoming cloying. The 8% ABV is remarkably well-hidden beneath the fruit intensity.

Finish: Light to light-medium in body with a gently crisp close. The tartness lingers briefly alongside residual apple sweetness, making for a clean and refreshing conclusion.

How to Drink Wicked Sour Apple

Serve ice-cold, straight from the can or poured over ice for maximum refreshment — the tart apple character shines brightest at low temperatures. For a simple shandy-style cooler, mix with lemonade to soften the tartness and extend the drink. It works well in a Sour Apple Mule, substituting for traditional ginger beer and vodka with a squeeze of fresh lime. Try it as a base in a Green Apple Spritz alongside sparkling wine and a thin apple slice for a crowd-friendly punch option.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where bold, easy-drinking options are needed
• Fans of sour candy and tart fruit flavors looking for an adult beverage equivalent
• Tailgating or game-day sessions where higher ABV in a familiar format is a plus
• Introducing beer-averse drinkers to malt beverages through a fruit-forward gateway

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wicked Sour Apple taste like? It delivers a bold, tart green apple flavor with a noticeable sweetness and a crisp, refreshing finish, often compared to sour apple candy with an alcoholic kick. The 8% ABV is well-concealed beneath the fruit intensity.

How does Wicked Sour Apple compare to Angry Orchard Crisp Apple? Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is a true hard cider made from fermented apple juice at 5% ABV, while Wicked Sour Apple is a barley malt-based ale flavored with natural apple at 8% ABV. The Redd's product is sweeter, more tart, and significantly stronger, making it a different drinking experience despite the shared apple theme.

Is Wicked Sour Apple good for beginners? Its candy-like apple flavor and hidden alcohol make it very approachable for those who dislike the taste of traditional beer, though the 8% ABV means it should be consumed with awareness of its higher strength.

Where is Wicked Sour Apple made? Redd's Wicked Sour Apple is produced by Redd's Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which operates under the Molson Coors umbrella.

What foods pair well with Wicked Sour Apple? Smoked pulled pork benefits from the apple tartness cutting through the richness. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a classic apple-and-cheese combination. Fried chicken wings, especially with a sweet chili glaze, complement the sour sweetness. Caramel desserts like apple crumble play off the green apple notes. Spicy nachos work well, as the sweetness tempers heat.

What sizes does Wicked Sour Apple come in? Redd's Wicked Sour Apple is commonly available in 10oz can 12-packs, with single 24oz cans also found in many markets.

Is Wicked Sour Apple worth the price? It positions as a value-tier flavored ale, delivering 8% ABV in a 12-pack format that competes favorably on a per-serving basis with other flavored malt beverages and hard ciders in the same cooler aisle.

Why Wicked Sour Apple?

The defining feature of Redd's Wicked Sour Apple is its identity as a malt-based ale rather than a cider — it uses barley malt and corn syrup as its fermentable base, then layers in natural apple flavor, citric acid, and malic acid to create a tart profile that true apple ciders typically don't achieve. At 8% ABV, it hits harder than most flavored malt beverages and nearly all mainstream hard ciders, making the 12-pack a potent option for social drinking occasions. The sour apple variant specifically appeals to drinkers who find standard apple ales too sweet, adding an acidic bite that keeps the palate engaged. For anyone who gravitates toward bold fruit flavors but wants something brewed rather than fermented from juice, this sits in a category largely its own.