Side Project — For Gabe (2020)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

A monumental blend pouring viscous and obsidian-dark, For Gabe 2020 unfurls layers of decadent dark chocolate, rich bourbon, and soft vanilla drawn from extended time in oak. Threads of Derivation, Beer Barrel Time, OWK, Anabasis and MJK weave together notes of roasted malt, buttery toffee, and deep caramel, while dark fruit nuances of fig and plum lend complexity. The oak imparts a refined tannic structure, and a gentle boozy warmth carries through the finish, leaving an indulgent impression of cocoa, charred barrel, and lingering vanilla bean sweetness.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib over creamy polenta, where the beer’s roasted malt and bourbon depth amplify the savory richness. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cocoa, oak, and caramel notes to harmonize beautifully with the beer’s boozy 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.