Side Project — Tête de Cuvée (2024) Wine Barrel-Aged Saison

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The pinnacle of Side Project’s farmhouse program, Tête de Cuvée 2024 pours with a lively effervescence and lifts aromas of green grape, fresh-cut hay, and lemon zest from the glass. French oak lends a refined vinous character, weaving white wine notes through a foundation of expressive Brett funk. The palate is bracingly dry and tart, with bright acidity carrying flavors of crisp citrus, orchard fruit, and subtle barrel spice. Years of patient aging yield remarkable complexity: rustic, earthy, and elegant, finishing with a clean, mineral-driven snap that reveals new layers with every sip.

Food Pairing

Pair with a triple-cream cheese like Brillat-Savarin atop a crusty baguette, where the beer’s acidity cuts through richness beautifully. For a main, try seared scallops with brown butter and lemon; the wine-barrel character and bright tartness mirror the dish’s delicate sweetness while complementing its citrus accents.

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.