Side Project — 11 Candles (2024)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

11 Candles pours pitch black with a velvety tan crown, releasing a commanding bouquet of bourbon, charred oak, and warm vanilla bean. The palate unfolds in luxurious waves: dark chocolate ganache, fudge, and deeply roasted malt give way to caramel, toasted coconut, and a gentle whisper of barrel warmth. Side Project’s signature precision shines through, with the bourbon integration adding spirit-soaked depth without overwhelming the imperial stout’s foundation. The finish is long and decadent, layering oak tannins, vanilla custard, and lingering cocoa for a celebratory anniversary pour worthy of its acclaim.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte or vanilla bean creme brulee to mirror the beer’s decadent cocoa and barrel-driven sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside a wedge of aged blue cheese with candied pecans, where the salty funk and sugary crunch beautifully complement the stout’s bourbon warmth and roasted malt depth.

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.