Side Project Brewing Flim Flam 2026 Barrel-Aged Rye Barleywine

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.57Untappd

Side Project Brewing’s Flim Flam (2026) pours a deep mahogany-brown with dark red hues, casting an almost opaque, syrupy column into the glass. Head retention is minimal — a brief tan film quickly retreats to leave a glistening, oil-slick surface that signals the beer’s extraordinary richness. On the nose, the complexity is immediate and arresting: waves of toffee and caramel intertwine with dark dried fruit — dates, plums, and raisins — while marzipan and a subtle spiced rye note add intrigue and lift. Underneath, hints of ruby port sweetness and toasted oak round out an exceptionally layered aromatic experience. On the palate, the mouthfeel is thick, viscous, and full-bodied, coating every surface with a lush, almost chewy texture.

Flavours of caramel, crème brûlée, and maple syrup unfold first, followed by dark cherry, black pepper, and a warming bourbon heat. The rye malt grain bill lends a peppery backbone that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. The finish is long, warming, and complex — a lingering interplay of oak tannin, port fruit, and gentle booze. Best sipped slowly at cellar temperature; this is a beer that will continue to evolve and reward patience over years of cellaring. Rated 4.5/5 on Untappd. Full details at https://untappd.com/b/side-project-brewing-flim-flam-2026/6772917

Food Pairing

Side Project Flim Flam 2026 barleywine pairs magnificently with a richly aged Comté or aged Gouda — the nutty, crystalline cheese mirrors the beer’s caramel and toffee complexity while the fat cuts through its viscosity. For a dessert pairing, a dark chocolate and salted caramel tart harmonises with the port barrel sweetness and rye spice, creating an indulgent, cohesive experience. Serve both pairings at cellar temperature for maximum expression.

Side Project Brewing Flim Flam (2026)