Side Project — Terminus

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Terminus Bourbon pours pitch black with a dense mocha crown, releasing aromas of dark chocolate, charred oak, and warm Willett bourbon. Built on an eight-malt foundation that includes four distinct ryes, the palate unfolds with layers of roasted malt, bittersweet cocoa, and vanilla bean, balanced by a whisper of tobacco and subtle rye spice. The 5-year bourbon barrels lend depth and bourbon warmth without overwhelming the base beer. Full-bodied and richly textured, it finishes long and contemplative, with lingering oak, caramelized sugar, and a gentle ethanol glow that rewards patient sipping.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slow-braised short rib over creamy polenta, where the beer’s roasted depth and bourbon warmth amplify the meat’s caramelized richness. For dessert, try a flourless dark chocolate torte with vanilla bean crème anglaise; the cocoa intensity and oak-driven vanilla notes mirror the stout’s barrel character 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.