{"title":"Side Project Brewing","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"side-project-le-saisonnier-750ml","title":"Side Project Le Saisonnier 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide Project Le Saisonnier 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 4% ABV farmhouse saison brewed and barrel-aged in Maplewood, Missouri, showcasing local terroir through wild fermentation. Rated 96\/100 by Craft Beer \u0026amp; Brewing and 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this low-ABV expression has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling American-made saisons available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 4%  |  Origin: Maplewood, Missouri, USA  |  Farmhouse Saison  |  Brewery: Side Project Brewing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSide Project Brewing, based in Maplewood, Missouri, focuses almost exclusively on barrel-aged and wild-fermented beer. Le Saisonnier is brewed with European malts and assertively hopped with European hop varieties before spending six months aging in a Missouri oak foedre — a large, open-topped wooden vessel — with a blend of indigenous Missouri microflora sourced from the brewery's family farm. Certain iterations have also spent time in Chardonnay barrels with a mixed culture of yeast and bacteria, layering additional complexity onto the base saison. The deliberate use of local Missouri oak and wild cultures gives Le Saisonnier a terroir-driven identity that separates it from both traditional Belgian farmhouse ales and most American saison programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Floral European hops and light citrus lead, followed by cracked black pepper and dried hay. A subtle bready malt note sits underneath, grounding the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens tart with citrus-driven acidity — lemon zest and green apple — before moving into a softly bitter mid-palate of herbal dryness and mild Brett funk. The final third introduces biscuity bread malt character, faint pear, oak tannin, and a honeycomb sweetness that balances the acidity without masking it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry and clean with lingering flavors of crusty baked French bread, a touch of lemon peel, and low peppery funk. The finish is moderate in length but inviting, encouraging the next sip rather than lingering heavily.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Le Saisonnier\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLe Saisonnier is best served at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a tulip glass or wide-mouthed goblet to let the complex aromatics open up. At 4% ABV, it drinks with the sessionability of a table beer but the depth of something far more ambitious. It pairs naturally as a standalone sipper during warm-weather afternoons and works well as a food-pairing beer alongside charcuterie courses, soft-ripened cheeses, or seafood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate wild fermentation and farmhouse traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather sipping sessions where low ABV and high complexity are equally valued\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to collectors of American wild ales and barrel-aged beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a multi-course dinner as a versatile table saison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Le Saisonnier taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Saisonnier delivers tart citrus acidity up front — lemon zest, green apple — with herbal dryness, mild Brett funk, honeycomb sweetness, and biscuity malt rounding out the palate. The finish is dry and peppery with lingering baked bread character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Le Saisonnier compare to Saison Dupont?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are dry, hop-forward farmhouse ales, but Le Saisonnier distinguishes itself through six months of Missouri oak foedre aging and indigenous wild yeast, giving it a more pronounced tartness and oak complexity than Dupont's cleaner, yeast-driven profile. Le Saisonnier also sits at a lower 4% ABV compared to Dupont's 6.5%, making it more sessionable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Saisonnier good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the interplay of tart acidity, wild yeast character, and bready malt makes it a deeply engaging sipper despite its modest 4% ABV. Serving it slightly cool in a tulip glass brings out its full aromatic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Le Saisonnier made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Saisonnier is brewed and aged at Side Project Brewing in Maplewood, Missouri. The wild microflora used in fermentation is sourced from the brewery's family farm in Missouri, reinforcing the beer's local terroir-driven identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Le Saisonnier?\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert complement the tartness; grilled shellfish such as shrimp or oysters echo the citrus and brine notes; charcuterie boards with cured meats balance the dryness; roasted chicken with herbs mirrors the beer's herbal and peppery character; and light salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette harmonize with the acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Le Saisonnier come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Saisonnier is available in a standard 750ML bottle, a format common for Side Project Brewing's barrel-aged and wild-fermented releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Le Saisonnier worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Saisonnier positions as a premium American farmhouse ale, and its six-month foedre aging, indigenous wild fermentation, and consistently high critical scores — including a 96\/100 from Craft Beer \u0026amp; Brewing — place it firmly in the upper tier of the American saison category in terms of both quality and value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Le Saisonnier?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat makes Le Saisonnier genuinely rare among American saisons is its commitment to Missouri terroir — local oak vessels and wild yeast cultures pulled from the brewery's own family farm, not sourced from commercial labs. That six-month foedre aging at just 4% ABV is an exercise in restraint; most breweries reserve extended barrel time for higher-gravity beers that can absorb more oak influence. The result is a saison that has drawn a 96\/100 from Craft Beer \u0026amp; Brewing, a 94 from Wine Enthusiast, and a 94 on BeerAdvocate — critical consensus that confirms this is not simply another farmhouse ale but a benchmark expression of what American wild saison can achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Side Project Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45788997583017,"sku":"40836","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SideProjectLeSaisonnier750ML.webp?v=1746835964"},{"product_id":"side-project-brewing-ambrosia-375ml","title":"Side Project Brewing Ambrosia 375ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide Project Brewing Ambrosia 375ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a small-batch, oak-aged wild ale from Maplewood, Missouri, sold in a 375ML bottle. Side Project has built a devoted following for its barrel-fermented ales, and Ambrosia exemplifies the brewery's commitment to old-world production methods — blending raw honey, fruit, and spice with wild yeast fermentation and extended oak aging. Note that multiple versions of Ambrosia have been released with varying ingredients and ABVs; specifications may differ by batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~6.0% (varies by release)  |  Origin: Maplewood, Missouri, USA  |  Style: Barrel-Aged Wild Ale \/ Saison  |  Brewery: Side Project Brewing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSide Project Brewing was founded by Cory King in Maplewood, Missouri, with an exclusive focus on barrel-aged beers — particularly saisons, wild ales, and spirit barrel-aged expressions. Ambrosia undergoes open and barrel fermentation, paying tribute to Belgian and farmhouse brewing traditions. The beer is conditioned on fruit, spices, and raw honey in oak barrels, resulting in layers of complexity that evolve with each release. The 375ML format reflects the brewery's limited-production ethos, treating each bottle as a specialty release rather than a volume product.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tart stone fruit and wild yeast funk lead, followed by gentle oak and baking spice. A honeyed sweetness lingers underneath, grounding the more rustic, farmhouse-forward aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright with lively acidity and citrus, moving quickly into notes of peach, cinnamon, and clove at mid-palate. Raw honey adds body and a subtle sweetness that balances the assertive tartness without masking the wild fermentation character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry and tangy, with lingering oak tannin, spice, and a light barnyard funk. The finish is clean but persistent, inviting another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ambrosia\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmbrosia is best served at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a tulip glass or wine goblet to concentrate the complex aromatics. Pour slowly and allow it a few minutes to open up — the flavors shift meaningfully as the beer warms slightly. While this wild ale is designed primarily for sipping on its own, it performs exceptionally in food-pairing contexts (see below). It is not a typical cocktail ingredient, but adventurous bartenders have used wild ales in beer cocktails such as a Wild Ale Spritz (blended with sparkling wine and a citrus twist), a Berliner Shandy (mixed with lemonade and fresh herbs), or a Stone Fruit Radler (combined with peach nectar for a lighter, fruit-forward drink).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a craft beer collector who values rare, small-batch releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course tasting menu or cheese board\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone with a bottle meant to be savored slowly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing wine enthusiasts to the complexity of barrel-aged wild ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ambrosia taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambrosia delivers bright, tart acidity balanced by raw honey sweetness, with flavors of stone fruit, cinnamon, clove, and a dry, funky farmhouse finish shaped by wild yeast and oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ambrosia compare to Jester King wild ales?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both breweries champion mixed-culture fermentation and oak aging, but Ambrosia tends to lean into honey and baking-spice character, while Jester King's wild ales often showcase terroir-driven fruit and more pronounced Brett funk from their Hill Country environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ambrosia good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambrosia is designed for contemplative sipping — the layered acidity, oak influence, and evolving fruit and spice notes reward slow, deliberate tasting at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ambrosia made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambrosia is brewed and barrel-aged at Side Project Brewing in Maplewood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis known as a hub for innovative craft brewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ambrosia?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged goat cheese or Comté complement the beer's tartness. Roasted duck with stone-fruit chutney mirrors its fruit and spice notes. Charcuterie with honey and nuts echoes the honeyed sweetness. A lemon tart or fruit galette works as a dessert pairing, and grilled pork with a cinnamon-spice rub amplifies the mid-palate baking spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ambrosia come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambrosia is released in the 375ML bottle format, consistent with Side Project Brewing's approach of offering its barrel-aged ales in smaller, specialty bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ambrosia worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ambrosia positions as a premium, limited-release wild ale — its extended barrel aging, small-batch production, and use of raw honey and whole spices place it among the more sought-after American wild ales in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ambrosia?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSide Project Brewing has earned a reputation as one of the most respected wild ale producers in the United States, and Ambrosia is a signature expression of that identity. The combination of open fermentation, extended oak barrel conditioning, and thoughtful additions of raw honey, fruit, and spice creates a beer that bridges the gap between farmhouse tradition and modern American craft innovation. Each release reflects slight variations in barrel character and ingredient sourcing, making individual bottles genuinely unique. For drinkers who appreciate complexity, restraint, and the kind of depth that only time in oak can deliver, Ambrosia stands as a compelling example of American wild ale at its most intentional.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Side Project Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45788998467753,"sku":"40835","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SideProjectBrewingAmbrosia375ML.webp?v=1746836166"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/side-project-brewing.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}