Episode 37: Troegs Mad Elf – Merry Christmas!

We finish up our Holiday beer series with Troegs Mad Elf. Troegs doesn’t have the biggest distribution, but we figured talking about this beer was worth it.

News

Miller Brewing Company is going to test out a light craft beer line. They plan on calling it the Miller Lite Brewers Collection and will feature craft style beers that are lower in calories and carbs. The collection will feather a Blonde Ale, an Amber Ale, and a Wheat. What is so interesting about this is that most craft brewers do not have a light beer on the menu, so this may actually fill a niche that is in the market.

Troegs Mad Elf

• Well today we visit a hometown favorite, or at least a brewery in Jake’s hometown…or at least close to it, Troegs Brewing Company in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
• The brewery was founded in 1997 by John and Chris Trogner and the name comes from their last name and the Flemish word for pub, Kroeg, mashed together.
• This beer is only distributed to five states and I couldn’t get it in Chigago if I begged and pleaded. I actually had to bring this one from Pittsburgh.
• Tonight we are talking about their Christmas offering, “Mad Elf”. The beer weighs in heavy tonight at whopping 11% ABV. So kids, don’t drink more than one of these at a time.
• This beer pours a red color, almost like pouring cherry juice and really has no head to speak of.
• You can really smell cherries here with this beer, but when you taste it I think you taste a little more of the honey. Overall however, you taste alcohol. As the beer warms up however this is less harsh. There is very little hop to speak of in this one, instead it is really the honey, fruityness, and alcohol that you taste.

Next Week

Thats all for these series. Next week we will be doing a special New Years Eve show and talking about the Champagne of Beers. You will have to listen to figure out what we think that is!

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