Side Project — Bubble Wrap Imperial Stout Collaborative Blend

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Bubble Wrap is a masterfully blended bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout that pours like liquid velvet, opening with a commanding bouquet of dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and warm bourbon. The palate unfolds layer by layer: rich fudge and roasted malt give way to oak-driven caramel, toasted coconut nuances, and whispers of dark fruit. Hand-selected barrels from Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Blanton’s and Rittenhouse Rye lend exceptional depth, weaving rye spice through the chocolate-coffee core. The finish is decadent yet composed, with gentle whiskey warmth, lingering vanilla, and a velvety oak tannin structure that defines this collaborative masterpiece.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with bourbon-soaked cherries to mirror the beer’s fudge and dark fruit complexity. Alternatively, serve alongside an aged blue cheese like Rogue River Blue with candied pecans, where the saltiness and richness elevate the stout’s vanilla, caramel, and oak-driven 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.