Side Project Brewing O.W.K. 2018 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.9Untappd

Side Project Brewing’s O.W.K. (2018) is one of the most revered barrel-aged imperial stouts ever produced in American craft beer, earning a near-perfect 4.9/5 on Untappd across over a thousand ratings. In the glass, it pours a dense, opaque pitch-black with virtually no head retention — a viscous, motor-oil-thick body that clings to the sides of the glass in slow, wine-like legs. The nose is immediately commanding: waves of earthy Ugandan vanilla bean lead, followed by decadent fudge, milk chocolate, charred oak, and a warm undercurrent of bourbon-soaked caramel. On the palate, the mouthfeel is extraordinarily full and silky, coating the tongue with a richness that borders on chewy.

Sweetness is pronounced but never cloying — the vanilla integrates seamlessly with lush dark chocolate and notes of marshmallow brownie batter, while the bourbon barrel backbone delivers a measured warmth of charred wood and caramelized dark fruit. The finish is long, gently warming, and persistently complex, with vanilla and oak lingering well after the final sip. This is a contemplative sipper with tremendous cellaring potential. Explore full community reviews and check-ins on the official Untappd page: https://untappd.com/b/side-project-brewing-o-w-k-2018/2669902

Food Pairing

Side Project O.W.K. 2018 pairs magnificently with a rich dark chocolate fondant with sea salt — the beer’s vanilla and fudge character mirrors and amplifies the confectionery depth. For a savory contrast, aged Comté or a sharp, crystalline Parmigiano-Reggiano draws out the bourbon barrel complexity, creating a balance of umami and sweetness that showcases everything the Side Project O.W.K. 2018 has to offer.

Side Project Brewing O.W.K. (2018)