Beer trend: Wine-barrel aging

More and more U.S. brewers are experimenting with “wine-barrel-aged” beer, said Christopher Staten in Draft Magazine. Their aim isn’t to convert wine drinkers; they’re trying to create more complex beer tastes using barrels that winemakers typically discard after only two or three agings. For now, all brewers are on a learning curve, but some are achieving interesting effects. Just don’t expect any of these beers to taste like wine.

Nebraska Hop God Chardonnay barrels give this hoppy beer a “fruity swallow with smooth oak notes.”

Allagash Interlude A swim in merlot and Syrah oak give this beer “spicy, earthy notes alongside rich plum.”

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Grand Teton Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale A four-month soak in chardonnay barrels gives this ale “sweet, fruity pear scents and a gentle astringency.”