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 7: De Struise Brouwers, Tjseeses
Day 8: Friars Brewhouse, Whoopie Pie Porter
Day 10: Ridgeway Brewing, Criminally Bad Elf