I had one of these back in 2018, and I really loved it. I've had many a beer pass my lips since then, and I thought it might be time to give this a fresh look. As my reviews are completely and utterly subjective, they vary a little more widely than I care to consider, but I can only be honest with myself and you, the one or two people who read these sometimes.
The Mad Elf is more red than any red or amber beer I can recall having. It sprouts a fairly minimal head of cream-colored bubbles that form an incomplete frosting on top of the beer that is vaguely the same shape as Australia. The aroma is a delightful mix of heavy spices, cherries, and yeast. This is going to be fun.First sip is somehow light and spicy while being solid and yeasty. Bitterness and sweetness dance with each other and are a perfect match to blend everything right across the tongue. I forgot how good this beer is. The sip alone is enough to call this a winner, but I get to swig! I get to swig! What a glorious day!
Tip-in is moderate carbonation tingle with cherries and spices mixing with the (for now) somewhat muted yeast. The middle is where the magic happens with an uptick of carbonation as the spices slide into the background to let the yeast dance with honey in a smooth mix that is enhanced by the cherries. The finish adds a hint of chocolate with the accompanying bitterness as the spices once again make their mad selves known.
Bottom Line: You’d have to mad not to love it.
5.0/5