Are "Wicked" Beers High in Alcohol?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

With an average Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 8% across many popular varieties, "wicked" beers are indeed considered high in alcohol compared to standard lagers. The term "wicked" is often used to brand beers with a strong flavor and high potency, though its specific meaning can vary between different breweries. This potent alcohol content is typically achieved through specialized brewing processes that maximize fermentation.

Quick Summary

Different beers marketed with the 'wicked' moniker, such as Redd's Wicked and Wicked Weed's brews, generally have a high alcohol content, often 8% ABV or higher. This strength is a key characteristic of their branding and brewing process, which aims for bold flavor and potency.

Key Points

ABV Range: "Wicked" beers like Redd's Wicked typically have a high ABV of around 8%, placing them significantly higher than standard domestic lagers.
Branding Term: The name "wicked" is a marketing term, not a formal beer style, used to denote a bold flavor and high alcohol content.
Brewing Methods: High ABV is achieved by increasing fermentable sugars (e.g., more malt, adding dextrose) and using alcohol-tolerant yeast strains during fermentation.
Flavor Masks Potency: The sweet fruit flavors in many wicked-style beers can mask their high alcohol kick, leading to easier overconsumption if not aware.
Craft vs. Mass Market: The term is used by both large brewers (like Redd's) and smaller craft breweries (like Wicked Weed), which produce different products under the same general strong-beer umbrella.
Different Strengths Exist: While Redd's Wicked is a consistent 8% ABV, craft brewers like Wicked Weed have a range of beers, including even stronger varieties such as imperial IPAs and stouts.

Understanding the "Wicked" Branding

While "wicked" is not a formal beer style, it is a branding term used by breweries like Redd's and Wicked Weed to signify a robust, high-alcohol product. For instance, Redd's Wicked Ales typically clock in at 8% ABV, offering a noticeable kick often masked by fruit flavors. Similarly, Wicked Weed Brewing produces a range of craft beers with varying ABVs, including strong imperial IPAs and stouts that live up to the "wicked" name. The moniker essentially serves as a consumer-facing signal for a powerful and flavorful drinking experience.

Redd's Wicked vs. Wicked Weed

It's important to distinguish between different brands that use the term "wicked." Redd's Wicked is a line of hard ales known for their fruit flavors and consistent 8% ABV. They are widely available and marketed as a strong alternative to spirits. In contrast, Wicked Weed Brewing is a craft brewery with a diverse portfolio, including beers with high alcohol content like their Pernicious IPA (7.3% ABV) and specialty stouts and sours. The common thread is a higher than average ABV, but their brewing techniques and flavor profiles are very different.

How High ABV is Achieved

Brewers employ several techniques to create high-alcohol beers. The fundamental principle is to provide the yeast with a large quantity of fermentable sugars. This can be achieved by using a larger grain bill (more malt), adding adjunct sugars like corn syrup or dextrose, or concentrating the wort. For extremely high-ABV beers, some brewers use a technique called freeze distillation, where the beer is frozen and the ice (water) is removed, leaving behind a more concentrated, higher-alcohol liquid. Specialized, high-tolerance yeast strains are also used to withstand the high alcohol environment, preventing fermentation from stalling.

Comparison of Standard, Wicked, and High-ABV Beers


Characteristic	Standard Lager	Redd's Wicked Ale	Imperial IPA/Stout
Typical ABV	4-5%	8%	8-12%+
Primary Flavor Profile	Crisp, light, often malty	Sweet, bold fruit flavors	Complex, hoppy, malty, roasted
Fermentation Style	Standard brewing process	Ale fermentation with added sugars	High-gravity fermentation with specialized yeast
Best Served	Cold, easy-drinking	Chilled, alternative to cocktails	Sipped, often at cellar temperature
Consumer Target	Casual, everyday drinker	Party-goers, alternative beverage	Craft beer enthusiast, sippers

The Spectrum of High-ABV Beers

Beyond the "wicked" branded beers, the world of high-ABV craft beers offers a wide spectrum of styles and flavor profiles. Imperial stouts and barrel-aged ales frequently reach and exceed 10% ABV, offering rich, complex flavors of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Belgian quadrupels are known for their high ABV, often up to 12%, with dark fruit and spice notes. Even some specialty fruit sours can reach high alcohol levels while maintaining a balance of sweet and tart flavors. These brews are crafted for sipping and savoring, not for rapid consumption.

Potential Risks of High-ABV Beers

While enjoying high-ABV beers can be a rewarding experience for connoisseurs, responsible drinking is crucial. The sweetness in many wicked-style beers can mask the alcohol content, making it easier to over-consume. It's recommended to treat these beers more like wine or spirits, enjoying them in smaller measures. Being mindful of the alcohol's potency is key to avoiding overindulgence and appreciating the craft without negative consequences. The experience is about savoring the complex flavors, not about the speed of consumption.

Conclusion: Wicked Means Strong, But Context Matters

In summary, beers labeled "wicked," particularly from brands like Redd's, are indeed high in alcohol content, typically 8% ABV. However, this is a branding choice rather than a formal style designation. The true level of potency can vary depending on the specific brewery, with some craft brewers using the term to refer to even stronger imperial styles. For any "wicked" beer, consumers should pay close attention to the listed ABV, as it is a reliable indicator of its strength. High alcohol content is achieved through specific brewing techniques, like maximizing fermentable sugars, and is a deliberate characteristic of these bold brews.

How to responsibly enjoy high-alcohol beers

Responsible consumption of high-ABV beverages is essential. Here are some tips for enjoying wicked and other strong beers safely:

Read the label: Always check the ABV before you start drinking so you know what to expect.
Pace yourself: Sip slowly and savor the complex flavors, treating it like a fine wine or spirit.
Hydrate: Drink water between beers to stay hydrated and slow your alcohol intake.
Eat food: Pair your beer with food to help absorb the alcohol and enhance the tasting experience.
Know your limits: Pay attention to how your body reacts and don't feel pressured to finish a large, high-ABV beverage if you feel it's too much.

Brews and ABVs

For a deeper dive into extreme high-ABV beers and brewing techniques, the site Beerwulf offers insightful articles on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

For widely available brands like Redd's Wicked, the typical alcohol content is 8% ABV. However, in the craft beer world, a beer with a 'wicked' style could potentially be even stronger.

Yes, the sweetness and strong fruit flavor in Redd's Wicked beers are known to mask the higher alcohol content, making it taste smoother and potentially leading to faster consumption.

No, "wicked" is not a formal beer style like an IPA or stout. It is primarily a marketing term used by brewers to brand their potent, flavorful, and high-ABV beers.

Like many high-gravity brews, Redd's Wicked uses fermentable sugars (like corn syrup and dextrose) in addition to barley malt to fuel the yeast during fermentation, resulting in a higher alcohol percentage.

No, while Wicked Weed is known for pushing boundaries and has many high-ABV offerings, their portfolio also includes lower-ABV beers like their Pils and session sours. The term "wicked" in their name refers to their craft approach rather than every single beer being high-proof.

Yes, high-ABV beers should be treated more like spirits and consumed slowly. Due to their potency, savoring them in smaller portions is recommended for a better experience and safer consumption.

Beyond beers branded as 'wicked,' other high-alcohol styles include Imperial IPAs, Imperial Stouts, Belgian Tripels and Quadrupels, and Barleywines.