Side Project — Hawaii Vanilla Barrel-Aged 2025

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

An opulent Imperial Stout matured in bourbon barrels and finished on single-origin Hawaiian vanilla beans, prized for their exceptionally creamy, floral character. The pour is jet-black with a mocha-tinged crown, releasing aromas of pure vanilla custard, fudge, and warm bourbon. The palate unfolds in waves of dark chocolate, roasted malt, and toasted oak, accented by whispers of coconut, caramel, and gentle barrel warmth. The Hawaiian vanilla lends a uniquely silky, almost buttery sweetness that lingers alongside lush fudge and a soft, spirit-laced finish of remarkable depth and balance.

Food Pairing

Pair with a warm flourless dark chocolate cake topped with vanilla bean ice cream to mirror the beer’s fudge and vanilla character. Alternatively, serve alongside a wedge of aged gouda or a bourbon-glazed bread pudding, where caramelized sugars and nutty richness echo the barrel warmth and roasted malt 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.