Side Project — Beer Barrel Time BBT (2021)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Beer Barrel Time BBT 2021 pours deep mahogany with a whisper of off-white foam, releasing an opulent bouquet of bourbon, charred oak, and warm vanilla. The palate unfolds in layers: rich caramel and dense toffee meet swirls of molasses and brown sugar, while dark fruit notes of fig and raisin lend complexity. Bourbon-soaked oak imparts a velvety, slightly tannic backbone, and the finish is long, warming, and gently boozy. A masterclass in patient barrel aging from Side Project, this American barleywine drinks like a contemplative nightcap, balanced and decadent.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slab of aged blue cheese drizzled with honey and toasted walnuts, allowing the bourbon and dark fruit notes to mingle with sharp, salty richness. Equally rewarding alongside a dense flourless chocolate torte or sticky toffee pudding, where caramel and vanilla flavors echo the beer’s barrel character beautifully.

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.