Alas, weather has prevented me from going to the premier D&D, MTG, SoC, etc party of the year (Dork & Fork 2009 AKA John Krohn’s b-day).  As such, on my way home, I picked up beer and wine for my wife and I.  While I was looking for something delightful to drink this evening, I came upon Ridgeway Brewing’s Criminally Bad Elf Barleywine style ale.  I thought to myself, “Hmm… I believe I’ve heard good things about this beer, possibly on the Beer and Whiskey Bros blog?”  Alas, I was mistaken.  They have recently reviewed the Troegs Mad Elf, and I, on the other hand am drinking a Criminally Bad Elf…  Clearly different beers.

So, I let this guy rip in a wine glass, because I figured barleywine has wine in the name.  Poured a beautiful light copper, which I must admit is considerably lighter than I’d expected.  Not to worry though.  The head was pretty weak also… Ok, so I started to worry.  The scent is sweet and malty, with hints of bitterness, and slight alcohol.  Mostly just sweet though, almost sickly.  Then…  then… you put it in your mouth.  It’s a whole different friggin ride when you put it in your mouth.

Oh the flavor!!!  What this beer lacks in absolutely all other areas, this beer makes up for in delicious and strangely unique flavors!  It’s sweet, spicy, bitter, and delicious.  I wasn’t really expecting the complexities this has to offer, and I must admit, the surprise this presented me with was worth every penny.  I can’t remember the last time I’ve smiled out of surprise and delight when trying a beer.  However, is this beer the greatest?  No…  but it’s not bad.  It’s akin to presenting some work from Kierkegaard at a molecular biology journal club.  It’s confusing, and delightful, and will certainly spawn some wonderful conversation, but it’s just not that stellar.

7.5/10

-brian