Side Project — Reverberant Rye Bourbon Barrel-Aged

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Reverberant Rye pours a deep mahogany with a slow-building tan head, releasing aromas of bourbon, charred oak, and vanilla bean wrapped around a peppery rye spine. The palate unfolds with rich caramel and toffee, layered molasses and brown sugar, and a swell of dark fruit suggestive of fig and raisin. Rye lends a distinctive spicy backbone that cuts through the sweetness, while bourbon-soaked oak adds depth and a warming finish. Vanilla lingers alongside hints of leather and dark chocolate, the high ABV woven seamlessly into a contemplative, sipping barleywine of remarkable poise.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib over creamy polenta, where the beer’s caramel and oak echo the meat’s deep umami richness. For dessert, try a salted caramel bread pudding or aged Gouda with toasted walnuts; the rye spice and bourbon warmth complement buttery sweetness and nutty, crystalline cheese textures beautifully.

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.