Side Project — Anabasis Blend 4 (2020)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Blend 4 of Anabasis pours a deep mahogany with aromas of toffee, vanilla, and warm bourbon lifting from the glass. The English ale fermentation lends a rounded, almost old-world warmth to the American malt backbone, weaving caramel and dark fruit through every sip. Layers of fig, raisin, and leather unfold against soft oak tannins, while Blanton’s and Weller 12yr barrels contribute coconut-tinged vanilla and gentle bourbon heat. Extended aging has softened the edges into a contemplative, dessert-like barleywine of remarkable depth, finishing long with toasted oak, brown sugar, and lingering spirit warmth.

Food Pairing

Pair with a wedge of aged Stilton or Cave-aged Gruyère drizzled with honey, letting the salt and funk play against the beer’s caramel sweetness. For dessert, try sticky toffee pudding or a dark chocolate flourless torte with toasted pecans, echoing the bourbon, vanilla, and dried fruit notes within the barleywine.

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.