Serenity is Wicked Weed’s flagship 100% Brettanomyces-fermented beer, first released in 2014 and an instant hit for the Asheville brewery’s barrel programme. Rather than combining Brett with traditional brewer’s yeast, it relies entirely on Brettanomyces for fermentation, aged in wine barrels for three to five months, giving it a lighter, more elegant tartness than most barrel-aged American sours.
Wicked Weed Serenity at a glance
| Style | 100% Brettanomyces farmhouse ale |
| ABV | Around 5.4% to 5.5% |
| Calories | Around 165 per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville, North Carolina, USA |
| Ingredients | Farmhouse ale base, 100% Brettanomyces fermentation, wine barrel ageing |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, contains barley |
| Typical price | Around $12 to $18 for a 750ml bottle |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Serenity is light and bright rather than heavy or aggressively sour, letting the Brett character carry most of the complexity.
The full review
It pours a clear light golden colour with a subtle haze and small, quickly fading head. The nose bursts with white grape, mango, pineapple and old leather, a distinctly tropical Brett profile compared to the earthier funk found in many barrel-aged sours.
The flavours mirror the aroma closely, with tropical fruit character reminiscent of New Zealand white wine varietals sitting alongside the expected Brett funk. The tartness is moderate rather than intense, letting the wine-barrel character and fruity yeast complexity take the lead.
This has been a consistent standout in Wicked Weed’s barrel programme since its 2014 debut, and it remains one of the more approachable ways to explore 100% Brett fermentation without diving into a heavier, more acidic barrel-aged sour.
A 100% Brettanomyces beer that reads as tropical and fruity rather than earthy and aggressive, a real point of difference.
- Distinctive tropical Brett character unlike most barrel-aged sours
- Approachable ABV and moderate tartness
- A long-standing, consistently well-regarded flagship release
- Regional distribution centred on the Southeast US
- Milder sourness than drinkers seeking an intense sour experience
- Limited release windows depending on barrel availability
Who it is for
Fans of Brett-forward beers who want something lighter and more tropical-leaning than a typical barrel-aged sour, and drinkers exploring 100% Brettanomyces fermentation for the first time.
Wicked Weed Serenity FAQs
What does Wicked Weed Serenity taste like?
White grape, mango, pineapple and old leather aromas, with tropical fruit flavours reminiscent of New Zealand white wine and moderate Brett-driven tartness.
How strong is Wicked Weed Serenity?
Around 5.4% to 5.5% ABV.
What makes Serenity unusual?
It is fermented entirely with Brettanomyces rather than combining it with traditional brewer’s yeast, an approach that gives it a lighter, more tropical fruit character than typical barrel-aged sours.
Is Wicked Weed Serenity gluten free?
No, it is brewed with a barley-based farmhouse ale base.
How long is Serenity aged?
Three to five months in wine barrels.
Where is Wicked Weed Serenity brewed?
In Asheville, North Carolina, at Wicked Weed Brewing.
Where to find it
Available at Wicked Weed’s Asheville locations and craft beer retailers across the Southeast US, with more limited distribution elsewhere.
The verdict
Wicked Weed Serenity is a distinctive, approachable take on 100% Brettanomyces fermentation, tropical and bright rather than heavy or aggressive. A well-regarded four point one out of five.
