Side Project — DB Derivation Double Willett Single Vanilla

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

A double dose of Willett bourbon barrel character meets a single, focused expression of vanilla in this opulent imperial stout. The pour is jet black with a mocha crown, leading into an aroma of rich chocolate, oak, and barrel spice. The palate unfolds with deep bourbon warmth, charred oak, and pronounced vanilla bean, layered over fudgy chocolate, roasted malt, and a whisper of dark fruit. Cinnamon and barrel tannins frame a long, decadent finish where vanilla and bourbon linger in perfect harmony. A meticulously blended showcase of Side Project’s barrel program.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with vanilla bean crème anglaise to mirror the beer’s cocoa and vanilla depth. Alternatively, serve alongside a slab of bourbon-glazed bread pudding or aged Gouda, where the caramelized sugars and nutty richness amplify the barrel character and oak-driven finish.

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.