You might remember a couple months ago when Connecticut officials announced they were banning two beers from the state because their cartoon-like labels might entice kids to drink ’em. One, called Seriously Bad Elf, showed a mischievous imp aiming a slingshot at Santa’s sleigh. The other, Warm Welcome, showed an oblivious Saint Nick sliding rump-first into a lit fireplace. Apparently, state liquor regulations prohibit booze advertising with images that appeal to children.

Merrily, it was soon ruled that labels aren’t ads. Lucky 21-year-old boys and girls across the Nutmeg State can sip these beers all season long. And, of course, so can we.

Created by Ridgeway Brewing Company in Oxfordshire, UK, Seriously Bad Elf is a copper-colored, malty-fruity, extra-potent version (nine percent ABV) of Bad Elf (six percent), a sturdy IPA-style ale that pours a regal brass color with a light and lacy head, and aromas of citrus. It’s clean, crisp, and well-hopped, with a sweetness to balance it out. Poured in a pint glass, Warm Welcome, a "Nut Browned Ale," has a beautiful burnt-umber body topped with a big, billowing head and wafting roasted malty aromas. It’s a beaut: chewy and rich, with a measured sweetness hinting at caramel and brown sugar.

For the Grinch in you, Ridgeway brews a couple of darker holiday beers. Santa’s Butt is a hefty porter, pouring an opaque dirt brown, smelling of molasses and sweet brownies, and tasting much the same but with a slight hop bite. And Lump of Coal is a pitch-dark stout, deepest black, like Scrooge’s tiny heart. With assertive aromas of licorice and French roast, it’s got a muddy consistency and a powerful flavor to warm the bah-humbug right out of you.

Best of all, Bad Elf, Warm Welcome, Santa’s Butt, and Lump of Coal are sold as a handy four-pack, the perfect present to pick up at the eleventh hour and slip under the tree.

Available for $18.80 for four 500 ml bottles at Downtown Wine & Spirits, 225 Elm Street, in Somerville. Call 617.625.7777.