Side Project — Beer Barrel Time BBT (2023)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Beer Barrel Time BBT 2023 is an annual flagship barleywine from Side Project, lavishly matured in hand-selected bourbon barrels. The pour is dense and mahogany, releasing aromas of toasted oak, vanilla bean, and warm bourbon. On the palate, layers of caramel, toffee, and brown sugar unfold alongside dark fruit notes of fig and raisin, woven with molasses and a whisper of leather. The barrel imparts deep vanilla and oak tannins, while the elevated ABV delivers a soft, warming finish. Rich, contemplative, and remarkably balanced, it exemplifies Cory King’s no-compromise approach to barrel-aged brewing.

Food Pairing

Pair with a charred ribeye topped with bone marrow butter, where the beer’s caramel and bourbon notes complement the meat’s richness and savory char. Alternatively, enjoy alongside a sticky toffee pudding or aged blue cheese with candied walnuts, allowing the molasses and dark fruit character to harmonize with sweet and pungent flavors.

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.