Side Project — Anabasis 2020

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Anabasis 2020 pours dense and mahogany, lifting aromas of toffee, caramelized sugar, and bourbon-soaked oak from the glass. American malts shaped by English ale yeast deliver a luxurious core of vanilla, fig, and dates, layered over notes of marzipan and leather. Extended bourbon barrel aging contributes whiskey warmth, char, and a polished oak backbone, while dark fruit nuances of plum and raisin add depth. The finish is long and contemplative, balancing sweet caramel richness with subtle barrel tannins, soft heat, and a lingering kiss of vanilla bean.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slice of sticky toffee pudding or bourbon-glazed bread pudding to mirror the beer’s caramel and vanilla depth. Alternatively, serve alongside an aged blue cheese like Stilton with dried figs and toasted walnuts, where the salty richness contrasts beautifully with the barleywine’s dark fruit and bourbon-soaked oak character.

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.