I recall many nights enjoying Victory's beers. I had enjoyed them for years before I started this blog, and the move from Pennsylvania to Tennessee has resulted in my not having the kind of access to their beers as I would like. It seems to me that particularly good local beers should be able to bust out of the state where they originate, but it's sometimes hard to get things like this and Mad Elf.
First sip is exactly what the nose suggested, but there is more sweetness to prop up the yeast and all the other flavors. It's very nice, and I didn't even let any warmth seep into it yet. If it improves with heat, I don't know what I'll do, as this is already on the right road to get a good rating from just the first sip. I'm jazzed to swig this thing.
Tip-in is moderate carbonation tingle with cinnamon and cranberries trying to cover the yeast. The middle spreads its wings into... a bit of a mess, really. Everything was going so well, and now I'm met with too many spices overwhelming the yeast (which takes a LOT to overwhelm) with orange, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg (the things listed on the bottle) doing way too much and doing it too quickly. The finish is cinnamon and yeast meeting for a somewhat sweet trail off.
Bottom Line: Better sipped than gulped by the fire.
3.0/5
