Cory King

Cory King is the co-founder and brewmaster of Side Project Brewing, a Maplewood, Missouri-based craft brewery recognized for its influence in the craft beer industry. King's entrepreneurial background led him to a career in brewing and to establish Side Project Brewing, a company noted for its innovation and quality in the world of barrel-aged beer. Before entering the brewing field, King had no professional brewing experience prior to joining Perennial Artisan Ales as a brewer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Master of Business Administration in financial management, a combination that supports both the technical and business aspects of brewing.

King's approach at Side Project Brewing emphasizes patience and precision. He began with the idea of focusing exclusively on barrel-aged special releases, including sours, stouts, barleywines, and saisons. This philosophy led to the creation of some of the most complex barrel-aged beers in the United States. Many of Side Project's beers are aged for about a year, with some stouts remaining in barrels for up to three years. King's background in microbiology and business management has been instrumental in both brewing and running the company.

Side Project Brewing has received significant recognition in the craft beer community. The brewery earned a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Bar Program and was named the No. 2 brewery in the world by RateBeer. Paste Magazine ranked Side Project Brewing among the top breweries of the decade, citing its consistency, innovation, and impact on the craft beer community. BeerAdvocate also listed Side Project as one of the top breweries to watch.

King has expanded the brewery's business model by launching Shared Brewing, a venture where profits are shared with the brewing team, allowing brewers creative and operational freedom. Side Project's beers are primarily available at the brewery, rarely appearing in grocery stores or on restaurant lists, reinforcing its reputation for exclusivity and quality. King's vision includes growing Side Project into a sustainable company with a lasting legacy, potentially through cultivating future ownership or establishing an employee stock ownership plan. His career demonstrates the impact of combining scientific expertise, business acumen, and dedication to craft brewing.