Naberius
Aardwolf Brewing Company

I received this from @roguer in the NBS BIF #13. Poured from 22 oz. bottle into an Aardwolf stemless glass at 63°. It pours a deep walnut color with a thick, fizzy, medium-mocha head that dissipated quickly. It has a very unique nose for a Stout: pineapple and orange-forward with the roasted malt, vanilla, and oak in the background. There is also some subtle tobacco smoke. The taste is equally unusual. It opens with a burst of ripe, sweet pineapple and orange that I would expect in an IPA but not a Stout. But the base Stout in the background features rich cocoa and a hint of freshly-brewed coffee. There is also a touch of earthy, oaky char and tobacco. The bourbon and rye notes are surprisingly delicate but really add to the overall flavor. I've had Stouts that remind me of a fruity liqueur but this reminds me more of an umbrella drink in a tropical resort. It's quite sweet. The mouth feel is rich, thick, and chewy with low - moderate carbonation, and the 11.7% ABV is sneaky high. Sip it slowly. Overall, Naberius is as exquisite as it is unusual. I really enjoyed it.

Wonderful nose, with the barrels coming through but not over the top, and all of the additives blending together with the base malt. Nothing sticks out in a good or bad way; it's just smooth and moderately sweet on the nose. Notes include brown sugar, molasses, honeycomb, pineapple, coconut, chocolate, and espresso.

The initial note on the palate is a slightly metallic and lightly charred base stout, but that is immediately replaced with a thick but not cloying sweetness. By mid sip, the pineapple, coconut, and orange are absolutely soaring; imperceptibly, that flavor profile morphs seamlessly from the fruit to the barrels, becoming slightly less sweet and more boozy over time. Neither the bourbon nor rye really stand out too prominently, but the influence overall is obvious and delicious.

Thick and chewy malt body; some heat and booze, but it's very approachable.