Ridgeway Brewery - Very Bad Elf

Very Bad Elf may have a mischievous name, but its brewing inspiration reaches much further back than its holiday-themed label suggests. Ridgeway describes the beer as following a Thames Valley recipe dating to 1795, using an uncommon pale amber malt and a measured addition of English Fuggle aroma hops. The brewery classifies it as a Strong Amber Ale, placing malt richness and traditional English hop character at the center of the experience. At 7.5% ABV, it also offers considerably more strength than an ordinary pub bitter.

In the glass, expect a golden-amber appearance and a flavor profile combining caramel-like malt sweetness, dried fruit, and grassy, lightly spicy hop notes. The body is substantial, with enough bitterness to provide a firm counterpoint to the richer malt character. Finnish retailer Alko’s tasting assessment describes a full-bodied, distinctly bitter beer, so this is not simply a sweet holiday ale. Instead, its appeal lies in the combination of malt depth, fruitiness, and an assertive balancing finish—a robust English ale that should be especially satisfying alongside a hearty meal.

Ridgeway does not provide a specific cellaring recommendation for Very Bad Elf on its product page. We’d therefore suggest enjoying it during the featured season rather than setting an unsupported multi-year aging target. Serving it lightly chilled should provide a useful starting point for exploring its malt, fruit, and hop character.

For food pairings, consider roast beef, grilled sausages, a steak-and-ale pie, or roasted game. Alko specifically recommends grilled foods, strongly flavored sausages, and game; we’d also consider aged cheddar a promising match. For a sweeter pairing, try a modest portion of apple crumble or a nut-studded bread pudding, allowing the beer’s caramel and dried-fruit impressions to complement the dessert without requiring an overly sugary accompaniment.

Ridgeway Brewing was established in 2002 by master brewer Peter Scholey and his wife, Vanda. Scholey had previously been master brewer at Brakspear in Henley-on-Thames, and Ridgeway emerged following the closure of that brewery’s historic production site. The new venture provided an opportunity to continue his brewing career while developing a distinct identity of its own. Its name came from the ancient Ridgeway route through the English countryside, reflecting the founders’ connection to the landscape and their interest in creating something with lasting appeal.

Ridgeway’s philosophy combines traditional British beer styles with modern brewing methods. Its range encompasses bitters, English-hopped IPAs, and stronger stouts, alongside a particularly playful collection of seasonal ales. Environmental responsibility has also been part of its approach: the brewery describes collaborative production arrangements involving shared energy resources, solar power, and the use of spent grain as feed for a local farmer. Behind the humorous labels is a brewing philosophy grounded in both craftsmanship and practical resource conservation.

In 2025, Ridgeway entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Crafty Brewing, based in Dunsfold, Surrey. The acquisition announcement emphasized preserving the Ridgeway brand and bringing Scholey’s experience together with that of Crafty founder Luke Herman. Ridgeway’s established portfolio, including its export beers and mischievously named Christmas selections, remained central to that partnership. Very Bad Elf belongs to this seasonal family, pairing its lighthearted presentation with a considerably more traditional English strong-ale character.