Side Project — BVC Blend 2 (2022)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The second blend in the celebrated BVC collaboration with Cycle Brewing pours pitch-black and viscous, releasing decadent aromas of dark chocolate, sweet spice, and warm oak. Brandy barrel character leads the palate, weaving fruity warmth through layers of roasted malt, fudge, and vanilla bean richness drawn from Indonesian and Madagascar pods. Fresh cinnamon adds a gentle baking-spice lift, complementing the imperial stout’s full body without overwhelming its chocolatey core. The finish is long, oaky, and warming, with lingering vanilla sweetness and a soft brandy glow that makes this 15% ABV release feel utterly indulgent.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte or molten chocolate cake to mirror the beer’s cocoa depth and vanilla-cinnamon spice. Alternatively, serve alongside aged Gouda or a creamy blue cheese with toasted walnuts and dried figs, allowing the brandy barrel warmth and oak character to balance rich, savory umami notes.

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.