Very Bad Elf

[steveh]

Special Reserve Ale, Ridgeway Brewing (once again). 16.9 oz bottle - but no bottle conditioning stated on this label. 7.5% ABV.

Pours gold to bronze in color with a thick, light cream colored head that slowly settles, leaving good lacing.

Alcohol aroma is apparent from the pour at arm's length. Sweet fruit esters of mellow candied apples with mild caramel malt back. Mild DMS with a fast, aerated refill pour.

Sweet caramel and fruit flavors with crisp hops back and a dry alcohol finish. Bit of an alcohol bite right at the end.

Medium body with a smooth to syrupy mouth-feel.

A smooth and dangerously drinkable winter warmer. Label states, "Brewed to an original 1795 Thames Valley recipe." I think hop-heads will enjoy this - while not as hop-heavy as some U.S. brews, it has good hop flavor balancing out the malts.

S.

[Wilson]

I had this several days ago, was going to post my notes but I'm too lazy to find them. I liked this beer. I really enjoyed the hop aroma and flavor. I'm not a huge hop head, and this was almost perfect. I was afraid the alcohol would drown this one out, but it didnt, to me at least, and even as the beer warmed it was still good.

[stronk]

Good stuff. I might have to have a look around for these elf beers before the winter stock is sold out.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Wilson
I had this several days ago, was going to post my notes but I'm too lazy to find them. I liked this beer. I really enjoyed the hop aroma and flavor. I'm not a huge hop head, and this was almost perfect. I was afraid the alcohol would drown this one out, but it didnt, to me at least, and even as the beer warmed it was still good. Heeheehee... it's SUPPOSED to get better as it warms! Just how cold did you have it? :)

Understand, please - I'm not making fun; I just remember back when I couldn't conceive of drinking any beer that wasn't COLD cold. My, how my tastes have changed!