Side Project — Silent Barrel 1110 Willett Vibes

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

A single-barrel expression pouring inky black with a deep mahogany head, this Silent Barrel release showcases the unmistakable Willett bourbon signature. The nose unfolds with dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and toasted oak, layered over notes of pipe tobacco and rich molasses. The palate is decadently full, weaving roasted malt and bittersweet cocoa with caramel, toffee, and a generous bourbon warmth. Extended barrel time has softened the spirit into elegant integration, while subtle leathery tobacco and oaken tannin lend complexity. The finish lingers long with sweet vanilla, charred oak, and a gentle, sippable booziness.

Food Pairing

Pair with a flourless dark chocolate torte topped with bourbon-vanilla crème anglaise to mirror the beer’s cocoa and oak depth. Alternatively, serve alongside an aged blue cheese like Stilton with toasted walnuts and fig jam, allowing the salty funk and sweet fruit to balance the stout’s molasses richness and bourbon 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.