Redd's Wicked Black Cherry 24OZ

Redd's Wicked Black Cherry 24OZ is an 8% ABV flavored ale in a 24oz single-serve can, brewed with bold black cherry flavor on a malt base. As the stronger sibling in the Redd's lineup, this expression nearly doubles the ABV of the standard 5% Redd's range, placing it firmly in the hard fruit ale category for drinkers seeking more intensity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.0%  |  Origin: Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Flavored Ale  |  Brewer: Molson Coors Beverage Company

Production & Heritage

Redd's Wicked Black Cherry is produced by Molson Coors Beverage Company in Wisconsin. The brewing process begins with a fermented malt base using barley malt, corn syrup (dextrose), hop extract, and yeast. After fermentation, the ale is blended with natural black cherry flavoring, citric acid, malic acid, and caramel color. Notably, the brand emphasizes that while corn syrup (dextrose) is used during brewing, high fructose corn syrup is never part of the recipe — a distinction confirmed on both the product label and official brand materials. Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are added as preservatives. This is classified as a flavored ale, not a cider, and it is not gluten-free.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced black cherry hits the nose immediately, carrying a candy-like sweetness layered over a faint malt undertone. The cherry character is unmistakable and sets the stage for what follows.

Taste: The entry is sweet and fruit-forward, landing with concentrated dark cherry flavor from the first sip. As it moves through the mid-palate, that sweetness transitions into a tart cherry peak, then shifts toward a crisp apple-like brightness. A light malty aftertaste and gentle alcohol warmth round out each sip without the harshness you might expect from an 8% ABV beer.

Finish: Clean and surprisingly crisp for its strength, the finish leaves lingering cherry sweetness without becoming cloying. A mild warmth from the alcohol surfaces at the tail end but dissipates quickly.

How to Drink Redd's Wicked Black Cherry

Best served ice-cold straight from the 24oz can, or poured over ice in a pint glass to keep the temperature low and the carbonation lively. Its bold cherry sweetness also lends itself to simple mixing. A Cherry Shandy — combining it with fresh lemonade — amplifies the tart cherry notes and cuts the sweetness. A Black Cherry Michelada — blending it with lime juice, hot sauce, and a salted rim — creates a surprisingly effective sweet-and-savory contrast. A Cherry Bomb Float — pouring it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream — leans into the candy-like cherry character for a playful dessert drink.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where bold, easy-drinking flavor fits the mood
• Game-day sessions when you want higher ABV without switching to liquor
• Fans of sweet, fruit-forward beverages looking for more kick than a standard beer
• Late-night convenience runs — the 24oz single-serve format is built for grab-and-go

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redd's Wicked Black Cherry taste like? It delivers an upfront burst of sweet, concentrated black cherry flavor that transitions into a tart cherry peak with a clean, crisp finish. Despite its 8% ABV, the alcohol warmth stays subtle and doesn't overpower the fruit character.

How does Redd's Wicked Black Cherry compare to Four Loko Black Cherry? Both are high-ABV flavored malt beverages with cherry flavor, but Redd's Wicked sits at 8% ABV versus Four Loko's significantly higher 12% ABV. Redd's Wicked generally presents a more balanced malt character, while Four Loko leans further into extreme sweetness and potency.

Is Redd's Wicked Black Cherry good for casual drinking? Yes — the sweet, fruit-driven flavor profile makes it highly approachable, though the 8% ABV means a single 24oz can packs roughly the same alcohol as three standard light beers, so pacing matters.

Where is Redd's Wicked Black Cherry made? It is brewed in Wisconsin by Molson Coors Beverage Company, one of the world's largest brewing conglomerates. The Redd's brand falls under Molson Coors' broader portfolio of flavored malt beverages.

What foods pair well with Redd's Wicked Black Cherry? Smoked pulled pork works well, as the cherry sweetness mirrors classic barbecue sauce flavors. Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the fruit-forward contrast. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a sweet-savory balance. Cherry cheesecake doubles down on the cherry theme for dessert. Grilled bratwurst pairs naturally with the malt backbone.

What sizes does Redd's Wicked Black Cherry come in? The 24oz single-serve can is the most widely available format for this expression, designed for individual purchase and immediate consumption.

Is Redd's Wicked Black Cherry worth the price? It positions as a value-tier, high-ABV flavored ale, delivering strong fruit flavor and significant alcohol content per ounce at a price point competitive with other single-serve malt beverages in the convenience channel.

Why Redd's Wicked Black Cherry?

What separates the Wicked line from standard Redd's is the intentional bump to 8% ABV — a meaningful jump that puts it in direct competition with other hard fruit ales and flavored malt beverages rather than mainstream beer. The brewing process avoids high fructose corn syrup entirely, using only corn syrup (dextrose) during fermentation, which the brand has made a point of transparency around. For drinkers who find standard fruit beers too mild, the Wicked Black Cherry expression fills a specific gap: bold cherry flavor, higher strength, and a single-serve 24oz format that requires no commitment beyond one can. It does exactly what it sets out to do — deliver fruit-forward intensity at a higher ABV without tasting like straight alcohol.