Side Project — Barrel Beer Time BBT (2018)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

An ambitious bourbon barrel-aged American barleywine from Side Project’s coveted Beer: Time series, this 2018 release pours dense and resinous, layering rich caramel and toffee over a foundation of brown sugar and molasses. Years in bourbon barrels impart deep notes of vanilla bean, charred oak, and warming whiskey, while the malt backbone reveals dark fruit nuances of fig, raisin, and dried cherry. Full-bodied and luxuriously viscous, the finish lingers with sweet bourbon heat, baking spice, and a gentle oak tannin that balances the indulgent sweetness. A sipping beer of remarkable depth and complexity.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slice of sticky toffee pudding or pecan pie, where caramel and brown sugar notes echo the malt sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside aged blue cheeses like Stilton or a wedge of sharp aged cheddar, allowing the bourbon barrel character and dark fruit complexity to balance the richness.

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.