Mawby’s Bourbon Barrel Redd

Bottoms Up

By Craig Manning | Oct. 15, 2022

As temperatures drop, our libation preferences are pulling away from the summer staples of crisp white wines and juicy IPAs toward more autumnal classics like full-bodied red wines, rich, warming whiskeys, and darker-hued beers. How fitting, then, that MAWBY of Suttons Bay has released the latest bottling of its Bourbon Barrel Redd, a sparkling wine that lands right in the cross section of those fall favorites? This gem takes MAWBY’s Redd, a semi-dry sparkling red wine, ages it 14 months in Four Roses and Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, and gives it a pleasing dry finish. The result is an autumnal treat that perfectly balances the fruit notes of the wine with the boozy aromas and vanilla flavors of the bourbon finish. The Bourbon Barrel Redd almost drinks more like a bourbon-barrel beer than it does a wine, which means that even wine skeptics might find something to adore amidst the robust collision of flavors. We recommend this one for fall fires, rainy autumn evenings, and epic Thanksgiving feasts. Find it at 4519 S Elm Valley Road or online at mawby.wine.