Side Project — Barrel Beer Time BBT (2024)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Barrel Beer Time 2024 pours a deep mahogany hue, releasing an opulent bouquet of bourbon, charred oak, and warm vanilla. The palate unfolds in layers: rich caramel and buttery toffee give way to molasses and brown sugar, while dark fruit notes of fig, raisin, and plum add depth. Extended time in bourbon barrels imparts coconut-tinged oak, soft tannin, and a gentle whiskey heat that warms without overwhelming. The finish is long and contemplative, balancing sweet confection with woody spice. A masterful American barleywine built for slow sipping and serious savoring.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slab of aged blue cheese drizzled with honey, where the salty funk meets the beer’s caramel sweetness in striking contrast. Alternatively, serve alongside a dense bourbon pecan pie or sticky toffee pudding, letting the dessert’s brown sugar and vanilla notes echo the barrel character and dark fruit 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.