White Russian - Rum Barrel-Aged
Aardwolf Brewing Company

Pours a black fairly dark with small tan head that dissipates quickly.

Aroma is defiantly rum, little hot right away but it mellows and chocolate appears, light hints of maple, vanilla and lactose sweetness to round it out.

Taste follows the nose sweet chocolate, vanilla, some light rum notes that add to the sweetness. Just mild coffee hints all the way around it defiantly defaults to sweet. Fairly nice but not really complex and interesting as you would think it to be.

Mouthfeel is big medium wouldn't say full seems a little light for a big stout.

Overall its ok , just not as big and complex as you would think.

I received a bottle from @roguer in the NBS BIF #13. Poured into an Aardwolf stemless glass at 62°. It pours a very dark walnut - almost black - with a thin, light mocha head and clinging lacing. The smell offers roasted malt, cocoa, freshly-brewed coffee, vanilla/caramel, and distinct rum. The taste largely follows the nose with milk chocolate/cocoa, fresh coffee, vanilla/lactose, and mellow rum, which doesn't distract from the other flavors. The mouth feel is thick and creamy with a moderate level of carbonation, and the 8.9% ABV is warming but not distracting. Overall, this is a most enjoyable Imperial Stout. You don't have to be a fan of rum to enjoy it.

On tap at the brewery taproom in Jacksonville.
Paired with the Brandy Barrel Aged White RIS, I definitely preferred the brandy version. The rum version is too sweet and seems less complex. In fact, the flavor profile is dramatically different and, unfortunately, a little vegetative. This is either much older or a different batch than the beer that's so highly rated in earlier BA ratings.

 

 

Little head production, even when ramped up to a turbulent pour; end result is a maximum of 1/4 finger dark tan head, which satisfyingly remains as a modest ring around the rim of the glass. Brew itself is a nutty, dark blackish-brown.

Aroma starts mild, but quickly grows into a downright impressive impression of a legitimate White Russian. Rum barrel influence blends perfectly into the overall aroma profile. Cream, vanilla, and touches of coffee and chocolate round out the overall presentation. The only drawback is that the aroma itself is quite restrained.

Flavor profile follows, and can best be described as an oak-aged White Russian. Rum influence is notable, and along with a nutty chocolate and roasty malt base, provide some individual flavors that can be drawn out of the brew, but the overall impression is spot on. Boozy heat is more appropriate to a cocktail, as well, but is not unpleasant.

Aside from the slight boozy heat, this brew goes down smooth and silkily.

 

 

 

 

 

Pours jet black with no light passing through. Tan colored head that goes away quickly. Can smell sweetness in the rum along with vanilla. Tastes exactly how it smells along with a hint of coffee.

 

 

 

Pours dark with a small khaki head. Lots of vanilla on the nose and tongue. Underlying rum. Caramel, cream, and brown sugar. Not getting much coffee. Creamy mouth feel.

It's tough trying to decide if I liked the Rum BA version or the Apple Brandy BA version of the White Russian imperial stout better. Like trying to pick a favorite child level hard. I still don't know. But I do know that both are fantastic, super rich stouts. Up there with Early Bird Special as Aardwolf's best.

November 2016 release. Pours a midnight black with a light and creamy head measuring 1/2 an inch. Smell is vanilla forward with a solid Rum backbone. It really smells delightful. The taste follows the nose, with a subtle oak finish delivered from the barrel. Sweetness is definitely there, but not overpowering. Mouthfeel is on the lighter side of medium. Overall, a great offering from Aardwolf. If you like Pirate Bomb, you will love this. Seek this out for sure.