Tröegs Independent Brewing Mad Elf

Pours a gorgeous rust-tinged ruby red color with a tiny head. You can't smell the alcohol, per se, but it smells like a strong beer with aromas of honey, banana and clove-like phenols. Soft pepper and hints of cherry appear as the beer warms. The mouth offers more cherry notes along with subtle cinnamon, honey and hop florals. Medium-full, complex and well-balanced despite the high alcohol. The finish is long with great evolution, starting sweet and then moving to a roasty close with a hint of bitterness.