Side Project — Clayton Winehouse Barrel #568

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

A decadent single-barrel imperial stout from Side Project’s celebrated allocation program, Clayton Winehouse Barrel #568 pours pitch-black with a dense, mocha-tinted crown. The nose unfurls layers of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and warming bourbon, lifted by sweet vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, viscous waves of caramel and toffee meld with subtle coconut and fudge-like richness, while bourbon warmth threads through every sip. Each individually selected barrel imparts its own nuance, finishing long, silky, and gently boozy with lingering oak tannins, espresso, and a whisper of charred sugar. A meditative, world-class pour.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib over creamy polenta, where the stout’s bourbon depth complements caramelized beef and oak-kissed richness. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with vanilla bean crème anglaise, echoing the beer’s chocolate, vanilla, and toffee notes while balancing its decadent, barrel-driven warmth.

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.