Side Project — DM Blend 1 Bourbon & Rye

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

DM Blend 1 is a decadent fusion of Side Project’s Derivation and Medianoche lineages, pouring jet-black with a thick, full-bodied presence. The nose unleashes rich chocolate, lush Mexican vanilla, and toasted coconut, layered over bourbon warmth and gentle rye spice. On the palate, waves of roasted malt and dark cocoa meld with sweet macaroon and oak-driven tannins, while Weller 12yr lends honeyed caramel depth and Rittenhouse adds a peppery snap. Endlessly luxurious and impeccably balanced, it finishes with vanilla custard, coconut cream, and a lingering whisper of charred barrel.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with toasted coconut shavings to mirror the beer’s pastry-like decadence. Alternatively, serve alongside a slice of aged Gouda or a vanilla bean crème brûlée, allowing the bourbon warmth and oak character to harmonize with rich, caramelized sweetness.

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.