Side Project — Double Willett Double Tanzanian Double Vanilla (2023)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

An opulent, decadent expression layering Willett bourbon depth with a generous double dose of Tanzanian vanilla. The pour is jet black with a mocha crown, releasing aromas of rich chocolate ganache, toasted oak, and lush vanilla cream. The palate unfolds with barrel spice, bourbon warmth, and dark fruit, woven through waves of pure vanilla bean, roasted malt, and hints of coconut and cinnamon. Oak tannins frame a finish of fudge, caramelized maple, and lingering bourbon-soaked vanilla. Full-bodied, velvety, and remarkably integrated, this is a top-tier Derivation blend showcasing Side Project’s mastery of barrel and blend.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with vanilla bean crème anglaise to mirror the beer’s chocolate and vanilla layers. Alternatively, serve alongside a slab of aged blue cheese with toasted pecans and bourbon-soaked figs, where the salty richness and dark fruit accents amplify the stout’s barrel-driven 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.