Insanely Bad Elf - Ridgeway Brewing

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

3.4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

"In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane."

--Oscar Wilde

Vintage 2007. This Imperial Red Ale is actually dark apricot in color. It's also glassy clear with a handful of slow bubble streams rising within. The sawdust colored head doesn't have the greatest texture, but then 11.2% alcohol tends to be a foam and lace killer.

The aroma suffers from a lack of both power and personality. Unfortunately, there's no malt-derived or hop-derived hook that makes me want to start drinking. The beer smells brandy-like (fruity), without the fusel alcohols. I'm sure it will be a different story on the palate, but there isn't much alcohol in the nose.

Insanely Bad Elf isn't crazy good and it isn't dementedly good. It's actually way too safe and way too sane. There aren't a whole lot of flavors zipping around, and the ones that are present are just okay. One positive is that it's better than the two 'Elf' beers that preceded it. Another is that the alcohol is masked exceptionally well.

Flavors include sugary grains that have been lightly toasted, white grapes and apricots in heavy syrup... and very little else. There's no hint of the rye malt that's supposed to be present. I'm reminded of a big bock more than anything else. This isn't bad beer, it's just incredibly simple beer that packs high-ABV power.

Mouthfeel is probably IBE's best feature. Having said that, it isn't good enough to earn the next highest score. Solidly medium in size, it delivers a finishing slickness that is pleasant enough. Gentle carbonation helps as well.

Hopefully, Ridgeway is finished with increasingly alcoholic variations on this theme. As far as I'm concerned, they peaked with Bad Elf and Very Bad Elf. Everything that followed has been either abysmal (Seriously Bad and Criminally Bad) or barely above average (Insanely Bad). Best to stick with Fuller's 1845 or J.W. Lees Harvest Ale if you want to experience big English ale done right.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2009 14:49:47 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4/5  rDev +18%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

11.2 ounce bottle that was purchased around January and stored in my fridge since. Consumer on 07/10/2008.

I picked up a couple of these about six months ago on clearance as I had never had a chance to try them and it really looked quite interesting. I have had pleasant results from the rest of the elves, so why not right. Poured a very nice, deep, dark brown with lots of ruby tones mixed in throughout. A nice sized two finger head of light tan came up through the top and settled down quickly, leaving behind a nice film across the top and a good amount of side glass lace. The aroma was rich, candy sweet and mixed with a touch of alcohol. Light bready aroma lying underneath gave way to a very pronounced candied sugar like malt in the middle. Some light touches of fruit, but this was a caramel malt driven monster. Hints of alcohol in the finish, but a really nice medium body that was more then adequately carbonated was the real treat here. A very nice evening sipper that I would have no issue with repeating in the future.

Overall I thought this was excellent. Really quite different from the rest of the lineup and that was really what I was hoping for. I would have no issue with trying this one again any day. Really a top notch beer that is worth every penny.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2008 10:31:33 | More by mikesgroove

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.47/5  rDev +31.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The latest in the 'Bad Elf' series, and likely the best. The previous Elf's became more cluttered and rough as the alcohol increased and the flavors intensified. But this one is different. A sweet, bready, toasty aroma shows no hint of higher alcohols or abrasion. Flavors are malty sweet, but the toasty character keeps the beer from cloying sweetness. Hopped for a bitter balance and little sweetness -- but never competes with the complex malt profile. As the beer warms, a sweet rum-like alcohols adds to the mix in favorable light. Well melded fruitiness complement the heavy malts well. Never fusal, phenolic, and moderately estery. Smoothly textured, but not without strong malt textures, and alcohol warming. Finishes toasty-sweet and warm. A very good beer, despite the intimidating namesake.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2007 03:59:03 | More by BEERchitect

oberon

North Carolina

4.03/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Another in the line of "Elf" brews from Ridgeway.Poured into a snifter a orange infused copper with a well formed one finger head that is gone quickly leaving no lace as it settled quickly,big English malt aromas very cakey with alcohol infused dark fruit,undertones of buttery caramel and a whiff of leafy hop lingers.A great cold evening sipping brew it warms the inside with somewhat sweet malt profile,it starts out with that dark fruit element like raisins and prunes in a holiday cake a hint of vanilla-like rum as well all overtop of a caramel base light bittering keeps it from becoming overly cloying.A great seasonal sipper it will likely help put me to bed pretty early tonight.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2007 01:00:02 | More by oberon

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +29.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

After having had the other bad elf beers, I had to try this one. As it turns out, it's my favorite one; and it's reminded me of how much I enjoy English ales (I've been drinking mainly hoppy American ales lately).

I opened it on a chilly night (20F) after returning home from work. It poured a clear copper body with a reddish cast and orange highlights beneath a short head of creamy white froth. The head retention was good, and it left a thick ring of creamy lace at the outset of the pint.

In the nose it's got a delightful fruitiness that includes juicy red apples and hints of soft berries. There's a rich, lightly caramelish maltiness to it, and a delicate bit of spiciness as well.

In the mouth it's full bodied and creamy smooth with lots of dextrins and just a delicate caress from the very-fine bubbled moderate carbonation.

The flavor is just as the nose suggests, with a sugary fruitiness atop a soft, sweet maltiness. The yeasty fruitiness helps give an edge to the malt, cutting through it in a way, and it's got a tickle of spiciness that helps as well. Behind that there's a flutter of leafy and softly grassy hops, and a moderate bitterness that's not really perceived until the swallow when the huge maltiness has gone. Surprisingly, it never becomes cloying. There's so much malt there, but then it fades and the earthy and leafy hop flavor remains. Of course it is also a sipper, so you're leaving the palate some time to clear before you go back for more. And that leads me to...

Drinkability. I really enjoyed the Insanely Bad Elf, and I'm going to go pick up another few bottles for the holidays (it is kind of pricey). I'm not sure I'd have two in a row, but I might. I certainly enjoyed it enough that I'd consider doing so. That said, for me, the drinkability was high. It's the kind of beer that I love to nip at while reading before bed. Quite enjoyable!

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2008 01:58:51 | More by NeroFiddled

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.85/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a Gale Sayers shaker pint glass.

Christmas never ends if you don't let it... This stuff pours a dark auburn garnet topped by a finger of dirty white foam. The nose comprises caramel, buttercream, buttery toffee, light cocoa powder, and a touch of booze. Things seem strangely clashy for such usually matching scents. The taste brings in more of the same, with the booze coming through and clashing a bit with an even stronger sweetness than before. It's an overly roasted sweetness, at that. Just odd. The body is a stolid medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a lightly syrupy feel. Overall, a muddle of a beer, one that seems like it just wants to be strong for the sake of it (like a pretentious, holiday-themed British malt likkah).

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2012 04:12:38 | More by TMoney2591

Mora2000

Texas

2.05/5  rDev -39.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

The beer pours a yellow-gold color with a white head. The aroma is full of grain and something that resembles dirty socks. Not a nice combination. The flavor is not any better. There is some grain and malt sweetness, as well as some grass from the hops. Unfortunately, the dirty sock quality is still present. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2012 02:58:13 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

3.35/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A - Poured out a clear, orange/amber color with a small, tan, foamy head. It left some lace.

S - It smelled very boozy and full of alcohol. There was a biscuity caramel maltiness in the nose, too.

T - It tasted of alcohol and very sweet caramel malt. There were some notes of vanilla and oak.

M - It was soft and very smooth. It was medium-bodied and surprisingly easy drinking despite the high ABV.

D - This comes across just too sweet and boozy to rank much higher on the drinkability scale. It was worth a try one, but I don't think I'll need another.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2008 12:24:59 | More by zeff80

metter98

New York

3.45/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is crystal clear reddish amber in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a half finger high dense off white head that died down quickly and left a thin film covering the surfaced and a thick ring of bubbles around the edge of the glass.
S: There are aromas of brandy, caramel, raisins, tea and toffee in the nose.
T: The overall taste is similar to the smell and has malty sweetness along with hints of alcohol.
M: It feels medium- to full-bodied, smooth and a bit syrupy on the palate with a low to moderate amount of carbonation. The beer really coats your mouth well and leaves some warming from the alcohol.
O: The beer definitely tastes strong but a good part of the alcohol is masked from the taste.

Note: 2011 Vintage

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 03:40:33 | More by metter98

russpowell

Oklahoma

4.28/5  rDev +26.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours an effervescent copper with 1 pinky of off-white head. Head vanishes quickly, viscous & just a trace of lacing

S: Some fruitty & bready notes

T: Honey, dryness, oranges & passion fruit up front. A bit of black cherry, plums & a little peach as this warms along with some leafy hops & a whisper of booze. Finishes dry with treacle, pineapple & more honey (orange blossom) & bit of scotch whiskey (peatyness & sweetness)

MF: Syrupy & chewy, reminds me of mead

Drinks pretty easy for the abv. I could see sucking back a few by the fire or with my dessert or cheese course. Solid English strong ale

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2008 04:34:54 | More by russpowell

jwc215

New Jersey

2.75/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Pours light orange-amber/reddish with a thin white head.

The smell is of caramel and booze.

The taste is of sweet caramel candy. Sugar sweetness dominates with maraschino cherry. Slightly metallic with plenty of fruity alcohol.

Near full-bodied and syrupy, this is strong stuff. I'm not complaining about the strength, but would like more balance and depth to accompany it. Gimmicky. Not a fan of this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2007 14:00:16 | More by jwc215

smcolw

Massachusetts

2.88/5  rDev -15%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Big bubbled head that dies to nothing--no bubbles and no lace. The color is an attractive dirty copper and is crystal clear.

Oily alcohol aroma; lots of caramel sweetness.

The taste of maple syrup--very sweet. Overwhelmingly cloy; it's like a drinking the beverage, Malta with two or three shots of vodka. The body is very rich and the carbonation is low.

Egads, it's too much alcohol, too much sugar, too much richness. I find it difficult to finish.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2010 01:44:53 | More by smcolw

Wasatch

Utah

4.1/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a very nice clean/clear golden orange/amber color, nice carbonation, nice litte fizzy off-white head, which does leave some minimal sticky lacing. The nose is very nice, malty, some dark fruits especially cherries, slight spices, and caramel. The taste is sweet, malty, sour (cherries), and some caramel. Medium body. The alcohol is hidden very well for a brew this high in ABV, very well. Drinkable, this is a very tasty brew, recommended for sure.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2008 00:41:39 | More by Wasatch

jdhilt

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev +30.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a two finger cream head that fades slowly to a ring leaving some lace. Nice crystal clear reddish amber color. Light-medium carbonation and medium bodied. Caramel nose. Flavor is sweet caramel but it is balanced with hops, not cloying, clean finish. High ABV is hidden but is warming. Best before Sep 2020. $5.00 for a 330ml bottle from Tully's Beer and Wine Wells, ME.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2010 23:14:18 | More by jdhilt

rhoadsrage

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

(Served in a snifter)
Vintage 2007
A- This beer has a mahogany red body that is clear but dense. There is a thick light tan head light whipped cream with larger bubbles pushing through. There is a sea of tine bubbles that glide up through the sides of the glass.

S- The soft dark malt aroma has a faint horehound note to it with a soft fusel alcohol hint in the finish.

T- This beer has a rich malt flavor that is mostly dry but as it warms the roasted notes come through. There is a dry toffee malt flavor with a faint sweetness as it finishes. The finish has a soft green note with a cinnamon quality and a softer malt bitterness to it. There softer alcohol fusel note comes through as well.

M- This beer has a medium mouthfeel as long as the head lingers and not much alcohol heat until it warms a bit. Even though it smells and taste a bit fusel it is warming in the mouthfeel.

D- This beer is well blended in flavor and smooth, making it a good sipper with just a right bit of alcohol to take the chill of the winter. I couldn't tell it was 11% until I looked at the bottle. Nothing extreme in this bottle just a tasty solid English Strong ale.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2009 17:01:45 | More by rhoadsrage

Zorro

California

3.23/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Clear deeply amber colored ale with a thin tan colored head, mostly a ring really.

Smell is melon and citrus with butter and wood scent. Slight mint scent and cooked veggies aroma.

At the start the taste is sweet with fruity taste and a bitter aftertaste. Melon and peaches with a woody bitter aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is thick.

Don't really like this one that much, the fruity taste just clashes with the melon and bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2009 23:39:03 | More by Zorro

Gusler

Arizona

3.93/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The beer departs the 330ml bottle a crystalline golden amber with a smallish creamy white head that erodes quickly leaving a thin coating of lace upon the glass. Nose has a malt sweet aroma, a bit of alcohol also present, a tad bit of hops, spicy and earthy, crisp and pleasant. Start is sweet with a nice malt profile, alcohol bitter at the back with a medium feel. Finish has a stern acidity, the hops present, but overpowered by the 11.20 ABV, dry sweet aftertaste, and a definite tummy warmer this one, and a real “Hoot”!

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2007 20:29:07 | More by Gusler

Cyberkedi

Georgia

3.73/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear, appealing reddish-amber with a little bit of white head. Aroma is strong and more fruity than malty, like a strong cider or brandy. Flavor is surprisingly sweet, but not cloying; fruity, mainly apple, and lacking the kind of alcohol bite I expected from such a high-gravity beer. Texture is tingly and lively, and it leaves a pleasingly sweet aftertaste with just a hint of alcohol bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2009 00:48:30 | More by Cyberkedi

RoyalT

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +28.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - This is a bright but thick orangish-brown in color with a very modest head, not surprisingly.

Smell - The rotten prunes, overripe dates, and mashed raisins are huge at the nose. I can get some light orange and cherry along with a touch of the caramel malt base, but mostly it's those dates, prunes, and maybe figs.

Taste - The dark, fruity flavors explode in the mouth. Just a few drops on the tongue are enough to make you say "wow". This has a very heavy, rotten fruit taste and is totally awesome.

Mouthfeel - This medium-bodied ESA is dead in the mouth but so flavorful that you just can't stop salivating.

Drinkability - This sipping ale is so big and flavorful that it might even be too much for the novice. The biggest ESA I've had to date.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2008 02:51:26 | More by RoyalT

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a orange-ish/ copper color, with a light tan head. In the aroma, plum and a small sweet alcohol presence. In the taste, again plum, yet dry and a bigger alcohol presence. A smooth malty alcohol mouthfeel and a dry darkk fruit alcohol aftertaste. Big in alcohol and quite plummish. Thank god for a 12oz not a half liter like the rest.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2007 17:07:30 | More by OWSLEY069

avalon07

South Carolina

3.58/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a yellowish-brown color and a clear consistency. There was a thin layer of head and some decent lacing.

S: Aroma had a sweet, malty quality to it.

T: Tasted of roasted malt up front and caramel in the finish. Alcohol is very much present. Not bad.

M: A fairly well-carbonated beer with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.

D: On the whole, this isn't a bad beer. It's pretty well made, but didn't blow me away.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2008 13:38:16 | More by avalon07

scruffwhor

Illinois

4.4/5  rDev +29.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Looks medium brown from the top f the beer, when held to the light it looks like a syrupy amber with a little ruby mixed in. Loomkssort of a barley wine The aroma has lots of dark, deep fruits. Figs, brown sugar, and plums. The first sip gives off notes of plums, prunes, and frozen grapes. Lots of carmelized malts and sweet syrup. The alcohol intgrates very well with the sweet flavors in this beer. A little nutty sweet on the finish with a very smooth warmth. Great sipping beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2008 07:14:34 | More by scruffwhor

stcules

Italy

2.17/5  rDev -36%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Deep red color, bright. It has an average white foam.
In the smell it tends to be malty, and oily. Sunflower seeds, too!
Overall, heavy and boring.
Ok, it has 11.2 ABV, yes, but it is too alcoholic, with fusels, pear. In the end, quite boring, and not easy too drink.
Unbalanced.
Winter beer, yes, it warms, yes. But not too pleasantly.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2009 20:43:41 | More by stcules

jrallen34

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I drank this from a 12 oz bottle into a Rochefort chalice.

The beer pours a very watery, clear light amber with a white head that is gone instantly with no lacing.

The aroma is light but very sweet with lots of apricot, candy and a tinge of alcohol. There is slight touch of spice.

The taste is decent with lots of sweetness on the front but I can't totally place it, its kinda of like apricots but not entirely, maybe apricots mixed with apples and lots of candy. Sadly, the end of the beer has lots of alcohol which is a little offputting.

The feel is really light and too watery to be great.

Its decently drinkable for the abv.

I wasn't expecting much here but I was surprised. It has a unique sweet flavor and is pretty drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2009 04:06:09 | More by jrallen34

Tone

Missouri

3.43/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear amber color. 1/5 inch head with slight retention and slight lacing. Smells sweet, of rye, and some muted grass aromas. Fits the style of an English Strong Ale, I guess. Mouth feel is smooth and slightly thick. Low carbonation level present. Tastes very tart up front, then the alcohol comes through strongly. Slight hop bitterness is noticeable and some sweetness from caramel (maybe) is present. Once your past the alcohol and tartness the beer is pretty good. The sweetness is balanced by the hop bitterness for a good finish. Overall, it's just too hard to get past the initial flavors. To its credit, the beer's tartness does wane as you progress and increases its quality of taste.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2009 05:46:08 | More by Tone