Side Project — Derivation 18

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Derivation 18 pours pitch-black with a deep mahogany crown, releasing aromas of rich chocolate, charred oak, and warm bourbon. The palate unfolds in layers: dense roasted malt and dark fruit give way to vanilla, barrel spice, and a whisper of coconut drawn from extended time in well-curated bourbon barrels. Mid-palate brings cocoa nibs, toasted pecan, and a flicker of cinnamon, while the finish settles into oak tannin, soft maple sweetness, and lingering whiskey warmth. A masterfully blended imperial stout showcasing Cory King’s precision and Side Project’s no-compromise barrel program.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with bourbon-soaked cherries to mirror the beer’s cocoa and dark fruit depth. Alternatively, serve alongside a slab of aged blue cheese and toasted walnuts, where the salty richness and oxidative funk play beautifully against the stout’s vanilla, oak, and barrel spice complexity.

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.