Side Project — Beer Barrel Time BBT Van Winkle VW (2023)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

This Van Winkle iteration of Beer Barrel Time pours a deep mahogany with a fleeting tan crown. The nose is a decadent procession of bourbon-soaked oak, rich vanilla, and toasted caramel, lifted by warming notes of brown sugar and molasses. On the palate, layers of toffee and dark fruit (fig, raisin, dark cherry) meld with butterscotch, leather, and a whisper of coconut from the prized Pappy barrels. The body is luxuriously full, finishing with lingering oak tannins, candied pecan, and a gentle, spirit-forward warmth that marks this as a true cellar-worthy expression.

Food Pairing

Pair with a thick slice of bourbon pecan pie or sticky toffee pudding to mirror the beer’s caramel and vanilla depth. For savory contrast, try aged Gouda or a charcuterie board featuring blue cheese, dried figs, and candied walnuts to complement the dark fruit and oak character.

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.