Side Project Persona DD 2026 Imperial Stout | Barrel-Aged

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Side Project Persona DD is part of the highly coveted 2026 Persona series released by Side Project Brewing during Stout Week — a collection of individually conceptualised barrel-aged imperial stouts, each named after the initials of the blender behind that specific expression. Poured into a tulip glass, Persona Dd presents as a near-opaque, obsidian black with an ultra-thin mocha collar and minimal head retention, consistent with the dense, oil-slick body characteristic of Side Project’s imperial stout programme. On the nose, expect a rich and complex interplay of dark bittersweet chocolate, roasted espresso, warm vanilla, charred oak, and spirit-forward barrel notes that linger with commanding depth.

The palate is full-bodied and viscous, with a luxuriously thick mouthfeel and a sweetness that is kept in check by roast bitterness and the assertive drying character of extended barrel ageing. Flavours of dark toffee, toasted coconut, dried dark fruit, and cocoa nibs develop as the beer warms. The finish is long, warming, and pleasantly boozy, with residual barrel tannins framing the experience. A world-class sipper best enjoyed at cellar temperature; has significant ageing potential for collectors seeking further integration of barrel and malt. Discover more at the official Untappd community.

Food Pairing

Side Project Persona DD pairs beautifully with a dark chocolate fondant enriched with a salted caramel core, where the beer’s roasted bitterness and barrel warmth mirror the dessert’s intensity. For a savoury contrast, a platter of aged Comté or Époisses cheese with candied walnuts provides a creamy, nutty counterpoint that elevates the complex barrel character of this Side Project Persona Dd imperial stout.