Side Project Brewing Continuance Blend 8 | Barrel-Aged

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Side Project Brewing’s Continuance series stands among the most celebrated barrel-aging programs in American craft beer, and Blend #8 continues the storied tradition established by the Maplewood, Missouri brewery. Expect a pour that settles deep mahogany to near-black in the glass, with virtually no head retention — a hallmark of these massively structured, low-carbonation blends. The nose is a layered tableau of bourbon-soaked oak, dark toffee, dried dark fruits, bittersweet chocolate, and a warming undercurrent of vanilla that grows more expressive as the beer rises toward room temperature.

On the palate, the mouthfeel is thick and oily, coating every surface with a luxurious density that characterises the finest expressions in this lineage. Sweetness is plush and persistent — caramel, molasses, raisin — balanced by a measured barrel heat and just enough roasty bitterness to keep the finish from tipping into excess. The Continuance series, as documented on Untappd at https://untappd.com/SideProject, consistently rewards patience; Blend #8 is equally suited to immediate contemplation or extended cellaring of three to five years.

Food Pairing

Side Project Continuance Blend #8 finds its ideal companion alongside a wedge of aged Comté or a dark-chocolate-and-sea-salt brownie — the beer’s caramel depth amplifies the nutty. And crystalline notes of the cheese while harmonising with cocoa bitterness. Alternatively, pair with a slow-braised short rib glazed in bourbon and brown sugar. Thats where the rich barrel-aged barleywine blend echoes every smoky, sticky layer on the plate.

Side Project Brewing Continuance (Blend #8)