Coaster Critique: Ridgeway, Criminally Bad Elf

pour

On the tenth day of Beermas…….

Name: Criminally Bad Elf

Brewed By: Ridgeway Brewery

Style: Barleywine

ABV: 10.5%

This barleywine pours a bright golden color that shimmers in the light, pour produced a short white head that lingers as a ring around the glass.

Smells of toasted grains, some fruity notes and a touch of earthy hops in the background, alcohol is definitely present in the aroma but it’s faint.

Initial sip is big on malt, a bit bready, somewhat sweet but well-balanced by a the alcohol and an even hop bitterness on the back-end of the taste. After a few sips I’m picking up a some dark fruit, raisin, cherries maybe. The alcohol lends a nice warming heat after each sip.

Overall a pretty easy drink barleywine, at 10.5% I expected a bit more heat but was pleasantly surprised. The initial sweet flavors are balanced well and sip after sip my palate doesn’t get tired. This is a great beer to share by the fire with that special someone.

Cheers,

Chaddah

12 Days of Beermas

Day 1: Harpoon Brewing Co. Winter Warmer

Day 2: Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company, Christmas Ale

Day 3: Schneider Weisse, Aventinus Eisbock

Day 4: Rogue Ales, Santa’s Private Reserve Ale

Day 5: Shipyard Brewing Company, Mint Chocolate Stout

Day 6: Gouden Carolus, Noel

Day 7: De Struise Brouwers, Tjseeses

Day 8: Friars Brewhouse, Whoopie Pie Porter

Day 9: Slumbrew, Yankee Swap

Day 10: Ridgeway Brewing, Criminally Bad Elf

Day 11: Sierra Nevada, Celebration 2013

Day 12: Anchor Brewing, Our Special Ale

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.