Ridgeway Bad Elf
I’ve had a couple of the Shelton Brothers (by way of Ridgeway) beers in the past and enjoyed them both well enough. So it was with a light shrug that I decided to pick up this beer and one of its bigger, insane criminal brothers (to be reviewed later). Bad Elf is an English IPA delivered with a heavy helping of malt and a warming 6% ABV.
Appearance
This slightly naughty elf pours a clear amber in color with a large off-white head.
Aroma
The nose is full of bready malts and a light sweetness. Since this is an IPA the hops are there, but well balanced with the malt and a touch of spices in the background.
Taste
For an IPA this one definitely has a decent malt presence. The initial flavors are of bready malts with a light hop bitterness in the lingering finish. This brew is pretty well balanced and tasty.
Overall
The Bad Elf ain’t so bad. The malt and hops are well balanced and at a respectable ABV it’s warming, yet quite drinkable. I had mine while grilling on a chilly evening and it did the job soundly.
Rating: 3/5