Side Project — For Phil

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

A monumental tribute blend pouring pitch-black with a dense mocha crown. The nose unfolds with waves of dark chocolate, toasted oak and bourbon warmth, layered over Mexican vanilla, sweet cinnamon and roasted malt. On the palate, threads from Derivation, BBT, OWK and Maman intertwine, delivering Ghanan cocoa, caramel, rye spice and a velvety vanilla bean richness. Cinnamon lingers across the finish alongside barrel-soaked oak and a slow-burning bourbon glow. Decadent, contemplative and impeccably balanced, this collaborative homage showcases years of barrel patience and the artistry behind Side Project’s most revered blends.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte dusted with cinnamon and sea salt to mirror the cocoa nib and barrel character. Alternatively, serve alongside a slab of aged Stilton with candied pecans and dried figs, where the cheese’s salty bite cuts through the beer’s bourbon sweetness, vanilla depth and roasted malt intensity.

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.