The Mad Elf | Tröegs Brewing Company

Brewers Description

The holidays at Tröegs start with our inner Mad Elf momentarily taking over the brew deck. So blame “him” for this cheerful ruby red creation reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey and cocoa with notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice.

Malt: Chocolate, Munich, Pilsner
Hops: Hallertau, Saaz
Yeast: Spicy Belgian
Color: Ruby Red
ABV: 11%
Best Served: Chalice @ 50-55 F

Reverend’s Review

If you’re feeling a bit manic before the holiday shopping season ends, get a 6-pack of the Mad Elf.

I found the Mad Elf while on hunt for some winter season beers. As a fan of dark beers, I must take advantage of the season specials. The Mad Elf came in a 6-pack which made it appealing and with an 11% ABV it was too good of a price value to pass up.

The beer pours clean with almost no head, event though the brewer’s photo shows a large one. I could have poured like a wild animal and produced the same result but I typically do not “dump” the beer; I pour. Either way, the Elf makes for a easy serving and has an absolutely beautiful dark amber color.

The first taste was a bit hoppy with some notes of Belgian Tripel style spices. The brewer described the malt as chocolate, Munich, and Pilsner, but the flavor that showed the most force was the malty Munich which is likely why the beer is so dark. There is an ever-so-faint chocolate hint after it hits the tongue. The beer also has a great balance in it’s carbonation.

The finish is reminiscent of an IPA without the harshness of the hoppiness. The flavor remains on the tongue for 10-15 seconds and the Belgian spices show their Christmas spirit as the flavor wanes.

Tasting Notes

Scent: Malted spice, with a hint of cherry and yeast.

Taste: Heavy on the Munich Malt with some dark cherry, hops, and possibly nutmeg.

Finish: Long finish with sweetness giving way to hoppiness.

The Mad Elf

8

Scent

7.0/10

Taste

7.8/10

Color

9.0/10

Finish

7.5/10

Price/Value

8.8/10

Pros

• 6-pack
• Quick pour
• 11% ABV
• Semi-complex flavors

Cons

• A pinch hoppy for a Belgian (my own personal problem)