Side Project Brewing Maltvin Blend 1 | Barrel-Aged English Barleywine 15%

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.5Untappd

Side Project Brewing’s Maltvin (Blend #1) pours a deep, burnished amber-mahogany with rich ruby highlights and a thin, tan head that settles into a fine ring — the hallmark of a barleywine built for depth rather than froth. The nose is immediately inviting: waves of toffee and butterscotch lead, followed by dark vanilla pod, toasted coconut, and a whisper of maple syrup drawn directly from the BLiS Maple Bourbon barrels. Beneath those sweeter registers, Rittenhouse Rye imparts a gentle spice — think warm baking spice and cracked black pepper — adding welcome complexity to what might otherwise be a purely lush profile.

On the palate, the body is full and velvet-smooth, coating the mouth with dark caramel, nougat, and soft dried fig before the rye barrel asserts itself with a dry, spiced backbone. Bitterness is restrained and supportive rather than punishing, allowing the malt character to sing. The finish is long, warming, and faintly boozy at 15% ABV, yet never harsh — a testament to meticulous blending and the months of bottle conditioning that preceded release. A collaboration with Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of Evil Twin Brewing, this is a beer that rewards patient cellaring as much as immediate contemplation. Discover the full story at https://untappd.com/b/side-project-brewing-maltvin-blend-1/3155835.

Food Pairing

Side Project Maltvin Blend 1 finds a natural partner in an aged Montgomery’s Cheddar or a well-matured Comté, where nutty, crystalline cheese notes amplify the beer’s toffee and nougat core. For a decadent dessert match, serve alongside a dark-chocolate and salted-caramel tart — the rye-barrel spice cuts through richness beautifully, making Side Project Maltvin Blend 1 the centerpiece of any serious craft beer pairing evening.

Side Project Brewing Maltvin (Blend #1) — Barrel-Aged English Barleywine