Side Project — Barrel Aged Ambiente (2025)

Détails techniques

Profil de dégustation

A Mexican chocolate-inspired Imperial Stout of remarkable depth, the 2025 Barrel Aged Ambiente pours pitch black with aromas of dark chocolate, Ugandan vanilla and warm cinnamon. Seventeen months in Willett Bourbon Barrels lend rich oak, bourbon warmth and a whisper of rye spice, framing layers of Ghana cocoa nibs and roasted malt. The finish unfolds slowly, where Mulato and Ancho chiles bloom with gentle, smoky heat against fudgy chocolate sweetness. Each sip evokes a steaming cup of Mexican hot chocolate dressed in barrel-aged elegance, balanced, complex and unmistakably Side Project in execution.

Accords avec les aliments

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte dusted with cinnamon and chile to mirror the beer’s Mexican chocolate character. Alternatively, serve alongside slow-braised short ribs in mole negro, where the bourbon warmth, roasted malt and ancho spice harmonize beautifully with the dish’s deep, smoky richness.

About Side Project Brewing

Side Project Brewing was founded in 2013 in Maplewood, Missouri, as an ambitious extension of Perennial Artisan Ales. Created by brewmaster Cory King, the brewery was conceived as a no-compromise venture dedicated to producing extremely limited quantities of experimental and barrel-aged beers. Side Project operates with a singular philosophy: to push the boundaries of brewing without regard to commercial constraints or production schedules, releasing beers only when they reach optimal maturity and quality.

The brewery has earned international recognition for its exceptional barrel-aged stouts, wild ales, and fruited sour beers, with many releases becoming highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Side Project’s meticulous approach involves extensive barrel aging programs, often utilizing premium wine and spirit barrels, and incorporating unique ingredients to create complex, nuanced flavor profiles. Their small-batch production model and unwavering commitment to quality over quantity have established them as one of the most respected names in American craft brewing. The brewery’s reputation is built on consistently delivering beers of extraordinary depth and character, making their limited releases among the most anticipated in the global beer community.