Side Project Brewing Derivation Blend 22 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Side Project Brewing’s Derivation series stands as one of the most celebrated barrel-aged imperial stout programs in American craft beer, and Blend #22 continues that obsessive pursuit of depth, balance, and complexity. In the glass, it pours a near-opaque, pitch-black with minimal mocha-tinted head, leaving viscous, slow-moving legs that cling to the sides long after the pour — a visual testament to its immense body. On the nose, expect a commanding wave of dark chocolate, toasted oak, rich caramel, dark dried fruit, and warming bourbon, with the interplay of barrel character building intrigue at every sniff.

The palate is commanding and full — almost oil-like in texture — with low carbonation amplifying the dense mouthfeel. Flavors of bittersweet cocoa, molasses, vanilla, and charred wood unfurl across the tongue, underpinned by a warming, integrated 15% ABV that never feels hot. The finish is long, sweet, and deeply satisfying, trailing off with roasted malt and lingering oak spice. A beer built for patient cellaring or immediate reverence, Derivation Blend #22 is the work of Cory King at his most purposeful. Discover the full Derivation series on [Untappd](https://untappd.com/b/side-project-brewing-derivation-blend-21/6453251).

Food Pairing

Side Project Brewing Derivation Blend 22 finds its ideal match alongside a wedge of aged Comté or Époisses — the funky, creamy richness of the cheese echoing the bourbon-laced depth of this barrel-aged imperial stout. For a dessert pairing, a dark chocolate fondant with a salted caramel core amplifies every note of roast and sweetness this extraordinary Missouri stout delivers.

Side Project Brewing Derivation (Blend #22)