Side Project — Derivation 17

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Derivation 17 is a masterful blend of imperial stouts aged in hand-selected bourbon barrels, embodying the meticulous craft that defines Side Project’s flagship series. The pour reveals an opaque, motor-oil black with a fleeting mocha crown. Aromas of rich chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon-soaked oak rise from the glass, layered with whispers of barrel spice and dark fruit. The palate delivers waves of roasted malt, fudge, and toasted coconut, accented by cinnamon warmth and a lingering note of maple. Full-bodied and decadently smooth, it finishes with refined oak tannins and a velvety bourbon glow.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib over creamy polenta, where the beer’s roasted depth complements the meat’s caramelized richness. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the bourbon and cocoa notes to mirror the stout’s barrel-driven complexity 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.