Side Project — Double Barrel Derivation Willett (2025)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

An opulent imperial stout drawn from extended maturation in Willett bourbon barrels, then re-racked into a second set for added depth. The pour is jet black with a mocha crown, releasing aromas of rich chocolate, vanilla bean, and toasted oak. The palate unfolds with layers of bourbon-soaked dark fruit, barrel spice, and roasted malt, accented by hints of cinnamon and coconut. Double barrel aging amplifies the oak character, lending a velvety, almost dessert-like body. The finish lingers with warming bourbon, subtle maple sweetness, and a whisper of charred wood.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte to mirror the stout’s cocoa and vanilla depth. Alternatively, serve alongside a wedge of aged blue cheese with candied pecans, where the salty richness and nutty sweetness contrast beautifully against the bourbon barrel spice and roasted malt backbone.

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.