Side Project for CWH Barrel-Aged Imperial Pastry Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.49Untappd

Side Project Brewing’s CWH is a monumental Imperial Pastry Stout crafted as a personal tribute to Chris Kolemainen of Clayton Winehouse — a long-standing friend and member of Side Project’s exclusive La Coterie club. Pouring a near-opaque midnight black with a fine mocha head that slowly settles into a thin, persistent ring, this beer commands immediate attention before a single sip. The nose is layered and generous: toasted coconut rises first, followed by waves of dark chocolate, Weller-kissed bourbon vanilla, earthy rye spice, and a whisper of barrel char. On the palate, the mouthfeel is luxuriously thick and viscous — built from a blend of Oak Aged Vibes Stout and Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout aged between 24 and 37 months across some of Kentucky’s most respected cooperages.

Sweetness is rich but not cloying, underpinned by a gentle roasted bitterness and the unmistakable warmth of 12.5% ABV. Shredded toasted coconut and raw coconut flakes drive the finish, lending a tropical, almost dessert-like complexity to an already profound stout. The finish lingers long — coconut cream, dark fruit, and a subtle vanilla echo. Best enjoyed slowly from a tulip glass, this is equally rewarding fresh or with 12–18 months of careful cellaring.

Food Pairing

The Side Project CWH imperial pastry stout pairs magnificently with a dark chocolate coconut truffle cake — the beer’s toasted coconut and barrel-aged richness mirror the dessert’s bittersweet intensity. Equally compelling alongside a Thai-inspired coconut milk crème brûlée with caramelised palm sugar, where the stout’s vanilla and rye spice notes weave seamlessly with the custard’s delicate sweetness.

Side Project Brewing For CWH (Clayton Winehouse) — Barrel-Aged Imperial Pastry Stout