UPDATED: DEC 17, 2021 Shared 12 oz. bottle poured to a snifter showing a fairly clear, ruby/amber hue, with a fair layer of off white froth, and some foamy spots of lacing. The nose was malt, subtle if any chocolate, light caramel sweetness, dried fruit, cherry & skins, and mild Belgian spice. Medium bodied, the taste was somewhat similar, but less expressive notes, sweeter, with okay carbonation, noticeable alcohol, and light fruit, rind, and skins astringency. A decent holiday Strong Ale.

UPDATED: NOV 30, 2021 The Mad Elf has a thin, ivory head, a mostly clear, copper appearance, with fine flecks, throughout, and no lacing. The aroma is of strong brown bread crust, with faint cherry backing. The flavor is similar, with cherries showing up, as it warms. The drinker will notice low bitterness. The Mad Elf has a medium body, a somewhat chalky mouthfeel, and a semi-dry finish. RJT

UPDATED: NOV 28, 2021 Drank from bottle. Pretty sure I had this last year as well. House reminds me of the sweet chocolate covered cherries my Dad liked. Mouth had that sweet cherry, but it's restrained and balanced by a good malt back bone and enough bitterness to keep it in balance. Maybe a bit of alcohol (even port!) around the edge of the tongue, but it hides the 11% awfully well. Slightly sticky fish that tastes gracefully.

UPDATED: AUG 31, 2021 Medium aroma of malt, yeast, biscuit, dark fruit. Pours a ruby copper color into Shaker glass. Light to medium head that holds thinly by a thread that lingers on the glass. Good carbonation. Taste is strong on yeast, cherry, honey, chocolate and malt. I think the yeast gives this ale a distinctive taste, a bit heavy on the Belgian side for me. A bit of spice. After taste is of tart cherry... ....but when it warms up it becomes a bit friendlier. A good specialty ale in its style. Merry Christmas everybody! It's like a marachino cherry!

UPDATED: MAR 10, 2021 An all-around good beer. In some ways, seeing Mad Elf on the shelf (pun not intended) is the 'unofficial' kickoff to the holiday season. Plus, the double digit ABV packs a punch.

UPDATED: JAN 22, 2021 (Can) Clear brownish red body with a small, disappearing beige head. Aroma of cherry, spices, orange, and caramel malt with some honey and yeast. Medium body, low carbonation, oily and chewy mouthfeel. Flavor is sweet, cherry cola, honey, caramel, spices, dark fruit.

UPDATED: JAN 2, 2021 12oz bottle shared at Christmas. Not sure about this one. Very strong alcohol without strong taste. Meh

UPDATED: DEC 23, 2020 12 oz can. Pours dark red with tall, long lasting, fluffy off-white head. Aroma is of bready malt, funky yeast, grassy hops and red fruit. Body is full and crisp. Taste is of spices, herbal hops, caramel malt, spices, red fruit and hint of honey. Finish is long and spicy. Very nice brew.

Appearance: copper red; slight creamy head Taste: hint of spice; similar to Domaine Dupage 11/26/20 - Ryan's for Thanksgiving lunch (bottle) ---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone

UPDATED: NOV 16, 2020 Strong heavy cherry and honey flavors are combined together. This is a winter beer that will warm you up on a cold winter night. Well done!