Technical Details
Style
Barrel-Aged Double IPA
ABV
9.3%
Origin
USA
Aging
Oak barrel 10+ months
Tasting Profile
The nose reveals oxidative barrel character with dried apricot, honeyed malt, and vanilla-laced oak alongside subdued hop resin. Ten months in barrel transforms this double IPA into something contemplative—the palate shows caramelized orange peel, toasted coconut, and bourbon-soaked grain complexity, while residual hop bitterness provides structure beneath waves of wood tannin. The finish lingers with warming alcohol, subtle char, and a pleasant dryness that recalls aged barleywine more than fresh IPA. Time has rendered this beer introspective, trading bright aromatics for layered maturity.
Food Pairing
Pair with aged Gruyère or Comté whose nutty crystalline notes mirror the beer’s oxidative development and barrel influence. Alternatively, serve alongside duck confit with caramelized figs—the rich, gamey meat and sweet fruit complement the beer’s malty depth while the oak tannins cut through the fat with elegant precision.
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.
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