The One Whiskey Barrel Aged Wine We'll Always Add To Our Cart

It's no secret that wines, whiskeys, and beers go through meticulous aging periods to attain defining flavors, textures, and aromas. But it's not just the time and aging techniques bringing each spirit alive — it's quite often the barrels themselves. That's why the trending practice of aging wine in previously used whiskey barrels is a bit mysterious, as it infuses carefully crafted wine personas with attributes generally reserved for whiskeys. Since these wines have garnered a growing fan base, we compiled a ranked list of 7 whiskey barrel aged wines, with one clearly deserving the spotlight. 

After evaluating the wines based on flavor profiles, aromas, and complexity, our taster, Emily Hunt, placed 1924 Whiskey Barrel Aged Red Blend firmly at the top. Noting the sophisticated bottle with its old-timey vibe and charming, jug-style handle, she nonetheless concentrated on the mystical elixir resting inside. The maker, 1924 Wines, reveals the barrels impart notes of vanilla, berries, maple, and whiskey characteristics – ones that obviously work well with the wine, based on Hunt's fondness. "I loved this bottle for several reasons," she shares. "To start with, it's very fruity and impeccably smooth and ... like other top-ranked bottles, the astringency was barely there."

The flavors build as the sip lingers, beginning with an "almost candied berry appeal" and ending with vanilla and subtle spice due to the whisky barrel aging, explains Hunt. However, what made her a future repeat consumer wasn't the journey, but the long finish. She explains, "That candied, maple sweetness carries throughout the sip and lingers after it's over, which made this an easy top spot contender."

Many wine enthusiasts have shared their impressions online, reporting largely positive experiences with the 1924 Whiskey Barrel Aged Red Blend. On Vivino, the wine holds an above-average rating, garnering 4.1 out of 5 stars from over a thousand ratings. Many reviewers highlight its approachable and flavorful style, noting a full-bodied, bold palate that balances whiskey-barrel characteristics with notes of dark fruit. Comments there praise its aromas of vanilla, blackberry, caramel, and subtle oak, aligning with the producer's own tasting notes. The smooth profile gets shout-outs, with mentions of balanced acidity, plush tannins, and the lingering oak finish, which offers good value for its price range.

On retail platforms like World Market, some reviewers emphasize how the barrel aging adds a unique twist to a classic red blend. Others note how the whiskey barrel influence enhances complexity without overpowering the fruitiness, making it good choice for all types of drinkers, from casual to seasoned wine lovers. A few tasters even comment on how well it pairs with hearty foods like steaks or lamb, mentioning how it's great for get-togethers. And, similar to our Tasting Table reviewer, many love that whiskey-jug bottle.

However, not all feedback is glowing. A minority of reviewers on Vivino, especially folks who lean toward traditional reds, describe the bottles as being "overpowering" and "too much," suggesting a wine barrel trend that's gimmicky. A few commenters mention that the finish feels a bit "too sweet," with ratings trending lower among drinkers expecting a heavier, more structured wine.