“A Rather Serious English Double Ale”
Ridgeway Brewing, Oxfordshire
9 percent ABV
Sampled: Dec. 6, 2008
The younger brother of this double English ale, Very Bad Elf, was among the first brews I reviewed back in late 2005. I don't remember it as especially memorable.
Considering how little I knew about beer at the time, I likely drank it ice cold, when it called for room temperature.
Upon first whiff, I prefer the Seriously Bad.
This one has a heavenly, perfumed nose with a good trace of freshly cut flowers, backed by the pepperiness native to high-alcohol territory.
The grains emerge early, with notes of caramel and toffee mingled in. Seriously Bad Elf
At room temperature, Very Bad Elf’s surprisingly smooth and drinkable, without any concessions to excess hops or malt.
A wall of malt strikes in the finish, but it’s only knee-high compared to the double ales found on this side of the pond. It’s more a reminder that of its role in this masterful strong ale than something to eradicate taste buds.
I think I’ll have no trouble adopting this new English tradition. Seriously Bad Elf carries a bright lesson in how to craft strong Christmas ale.
Rating: 8/10
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