Tröegs Mad Elf - Tröegs Brewing Company

djmichaelk

Florida

2.53/5  rDev -34.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

12oz bottle into a snifter.

A - Pours a slightly hazy dark amber, with little to no head, and no lacing. Not especially encouraging.

S - Sweet and pretty forward with the cherries. Very much like a typical BSDA, but the cherries are not doing it any favors.

T - The closest I can compare to would be St. Bernardus. It's got that same Belgian spicy yeast, then the cherries really take over. The sweetness is a little cloying. I'm having trouble getting through the glass.

M - Strange. Carbonation is almost too aggressive, making it seem a bit harsh. At the same time, it has such a sweet finish that it almost seems syrupy. I'll give it a pass since they both almost cancel each other out.

O - I wanted to like this, but to be honest it was a struggle to get through the entire beer. I can't say that I'd seek this out again.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2012 05:57:42 | More by djmichaelk

pmarlowe

California

3.5/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I've been sitting on this for quite awhile, not sure how long. Tulip glass.

A: Pours medium amber, so-so clarity, with virtually no head.

S: Lots of honey, cherry, amber and caramel malts, cherry apple crumble pie, and there's some subtle spiciness underneath. Kind of interesting, but borders too much on the fruit juice end of the spectrum.

T: Cherry fruit juice, caramel malt, and a little sweetish honey. The malt and honey linger on the finish, and the honey imparts a smoothness (kind of like eating actual honey, in a good way).

M: Full bodied and lightly carbonated. Works well with the beer. Alcohol is very well hidden.

O: The warming quality and hidden alcohol makes this a pretty good sipper for cool evenings. It has just the right amount of sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2012 04:44:32 | More by pmarlowe

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.15/5  rDev -18.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Bottle from winter 2007. It's time to start killing the cellar, and this is some low-hanging fruit.

Decanted, this is a clear, copper-colored beer with a thin, tan head that rapidly recedes to a ring. Not much lacing is present, which is disappointing for the style. The nose is pretty decent. Dark honey and cherries are noticeable on the nose, but there's also a moderate malt character, with caramel and a surprising chocolate/cocoa character that makes me think of cherry cordials. Alcohol is well hidden, making this less medicinal than fresh samples. Moderately spicy as well, with the alcohol and yeast playing off each other. Despite its age, this still smells pretty vibrant.

The palate, OTOH, isn't as impressive. Like a mellower cough syrup, there's just something about the cherry character here that makes it medicinal. Moderately sweet with honey and fruit cake. Some cherry skin tannins are present to balance the sweetness. The spices seem a little more muted on the palate, and the mid-palate feels a little watery at times. Sweet on the finish with alcohol, some honey and cherry tartness, there's a lingering yeastiness as well. Carbonation is moderate, making this beer, to my palate and given the style, average at best and not one I'd seek to revisit in a hurry.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2012 03:20:59 | More by DefenCorps

mdfb79

New York

3.78/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Have had this a few times but most recently this weekend at Eatonville in DC. Served in a mason jar type glass.

a - Pours a reddish amber color with one inch of off white head and low carbonation evident.

s - Smells of Belgian yeast, cherries, sweet dark fruits, spices, bready malts, bananas, and light sugar. Pretty nice nose.

t - Tastes of cherries, light dark fruits, Belgian yeast, light spice, and bready malts. Taste is a slight step down from the nose. Not as much fruit or as strong as the nose.

m - Medium body and low to moderate carbonation. Smooth and doesn't feel like 11% ABV at all.

o - Overall a pretty nice Belgian Strong Dark. Nose is very nice and full of cherries, though the taste wasn't quite as fruity. Definitely didn't feel like 11% ABV, would have it again next winter.

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2012 17:09:21 | More by mdfb79

Louski

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-Tap Poured into Standard Pint at Brady's in Feasterville, PA.

Appears a nice red-auburn color with immediate smells of cinnamon, cherry, allspice and clove. The taste actually reminds you of the holidays. A warm sensation is felt with the fruitiness and array of spices that mask the high alcohol content really well. I look forward to this beer's release every year and make certain to store at least a 6-pack of bottles for Christmas in July. A must-drink during the holidays both for its great taste and its ability to make shopping interesting after just one or two.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2012 01:28:46 | More by Louski

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Deep ruby/blood red colour, ring of soapy white head, no lace at all. Smell is fruity and lightly funky, belgian yeast, some sweet cherry notes, spicy with some alcohol heat as well. Taste is spicy at first followed by tart cherry, some funky yeasty flavours, some alcohol in the first few sips but pretty much completley hidden after that. Medium-High carbonation, medium body, good full feel throughout. Not bad but nothing about this blew me away, dont think I would go looking for this but if it was offered its quite drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2012 21:06:55 | More by peensteen

hopfacebrew

Colorado

4.03/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Another hook up from Hudak :) Thanks man.

Poured from bottle to Duvel tulip the beer pours a bright red color with a thin off-white head. Edges are red in color. Not much retention or lacing to report. The aroma is sweet and powerful with a lot of honey, cherry, pepper, and belgian yeast character. The flavor is just as the nose let on with a tart cherry sweetness upfront together with honey and belgian yeast character. Hides the alcohol extremely well, not detectable. Rich in flavor and mildly bitter. Medium bodied and well carbonated. Finishes smooth with a lingering cherry tart flavor. Overall, this was a treat to try. Good stuff!

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2012 18:27:45 | More by hopfacebrew

jeremy13586

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured in to a Mad Elf tulip

Dark amber in color. Poured a one finger off-white head. The head didn’t last too long. Looks viscous and has a syrupy sheen.

Strong alcohol is in the nose. Totally lets you know that this beer is 11%. tart cherries with a sweet finish.

Tart, hot cherries dominate the flavor of this brew. There is also some good spiciness along with it. Flavor matches the nose, except that it masks the alcohol much better than the aroma. Honey and a bit of nuttiness rounds out the taste.

Medium bodied with a nice carbonation. Smooth, but it does leave a syrupy coating in your mouth.

This is one of my favorite winter brews. It is very drinkable which is the dangerous part. The alcohol content catches up with the drinker before they even notice. Generally a crowd pleaser and a nice one to age for a couple years. Might be hard to find now, so make sure you try it next holiday season.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2012 07:06:58 | More by jeremy13586

Thingus

California

4/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Live tasting 12oz bottle into Duvel Tulip...

Appearance; pours a bright and lively pale red color with not much of a head at all, a very thin ring of off white colored head hangs around the edge of the glass... No lacing to speak of...

Smell; smells like cherries and honey, tons of "Belgian-esque" spices..

Taste; definitely tastes as it smells, the cherries add a slight tart demension, with strong flavors of honey and a plethora of the typical Belgian spices (I don't think there's any doubt as to what type of yeast was used here!) also, 11%?! Sure as hell doesn't taste it... Exceptionally well hidden...

Mouthfeel; medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation, goes down easily with no afterburn or warming from the alcohol content... A yeasty, spicy finish that lingers for a few minutes with a slight tartness that I associate with the cherries...

Overall; of all the winter brews I've had, this is unquestionably my favorite thus far... Typically I'm not a big fan of Belgians or the associated yeast but it blends very well with the cherries and honey in Mad Elf... My first Tröegs brew and I was not disappointed!! ISO; Nugget Nectar

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2012 04:16:20 | More by Thingus

bigfnjoe

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a Dogfish snifter. 2010 vintage

A- pours ruby red with no head at a. Disappointing pour on the head

S- nice cherry aroma, with a little bit of Belgian yeast in there too. Awesome.

T- a year of age does a lot for this beer. The cherry and honey are turned way down, but it's still very flavorful, but not as sweet

M- medium bodied, on the thick side

O- I cannot drink this beer fresh. It is too sweet and boozy. With a year of age, it's much more drinkable, but I'm not an overly huge fan of it like many in the area are. Give me Nugget Nectar any day over this.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 03:20:10 | More by bigfnjoe

rlee1390

Indiana

3.83/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A-Clear ruby red with some carbonation. One finger head but it doesn't last long.

S-Cherries, more cherries. Some underlying malt but mainly cherries.

T-Cherries are not as overpowering as in the nose, good deal of spices start to sneak in as well. Good balance between the cherries and the spices.

M-Medium bodied but a little thin/watery with little carbonation.

O-Not sure what much of the fuss was about with this beer it was good but not great.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2012 14:41:22 | More by rlee1390

aranheaney

New York

3.53/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Got this one a little after the holidays, but still psyched to find it:

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a DFH snifter:

A-Ruby-red, little head and a tiny bit of lace

S-cherry, malt and booze

T-kind of a mess, maybe my sinuses are throwing me off, but it's a bit like cherry cough syrup

M-kind of thin

O-I expected more...

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 15:58:15 | More by aranheaney

pschul4

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Thanks for this one Alex!

Shared with Bigbobo before doing our Econ homework (Shoutouts to Marcus Casey!)

A- Pours a caramely brown with little head that recedes almost immediately leaving very little lacing

S- Strong dark fruits with some alcohol kick in the background

T- Cherries and some honey in the back but the dark fruits steal the show. Plums and figs kick your palate around but in a good way. Slight burn on the back end

M- A little too much carbonation for my liking. Not over the top but it could be a little smoother

O- I'm very impressed. I generally dislike BSDAs but this one is a winner. Can't wait to determine my cost/benefit analysis of drinking this beer

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 00:15:20 | More by pschul4

garuda

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz brown bottle, 2011 vintage

A - Brilliant cherry red, clear, a white soapy head at first that dissipates quickly, leaves little lacing.

S/T - Big yeasty nose, with some of the honey sweetness as well, and a touch of a rusty coin on the back end. Taste follows the nose, with a more pronounced sweet cherry mid palate, finishing with slightly tart cherry, honey sweetness, and a bit of booze. As it warms, it gets a similar to a cherry cordial.

M - Medium body, surprising considering the abv, with a lively medium carbonation, finishes mostly dry.

O - One of the beers that get me hooked on craft. I always look forward to its release each year. I still find this to be a solid beer, which I can't say about many of the beers I once thought were good.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2012 00:37:15 | More by garuda

uustal

Rhode Island

3.75/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours ruby red with the slightest of off-white heads. Vanishes right away. Belgian spices and hints of cherry on the nose. Alcohol as well. Belgian spicy start to the flavor, not too agressive, but present. A bit of a saison-like funk as well. Viscous malts follow. Sweet, thick, caramel malt, hints of alcohol and the slightest hint of woodsy vanilla. Cherries and a bit more crisp spiciness closes it out.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2012 05:02:51 | More by uustal

BuxMontBeerLover

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This was on-tap at Revivals Restaurant in Perkasie, PA.

Severed in a standard pint glass.

A - A deep, reddish brown color when presented with the brew. Mostly opaque. Little to no head on the beer. Moderate lacing left on the glass.

S - A slightly alcohol smell mixed with a fruity sweetness.

T - A decent beer. A mix of dark fruits like figs and cherries along with a caramel-like sweetness. The alcohol is pretty noticeable. I savored this for about a half-hour. Not a beer to be rushed through.

M - A pretty heavy beer. A heavier consistency.

O - I liked this beer but not something I'd return to. I like trying all sorts of beers but this isn't quite good enough for me to drink if I come across it again.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2012 20:37:11 | More by BuxMontBeerLover

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Ba Review #123
Served On: 02/05/2012
Glassware: Plastic Pilsner Glass
Labeled ABV: -
Date/ Code: -

Got this on tap from the Tröegs kiosk at a Hershey Bears game on Super bowl Sunday. Was not expecting this particular offering to be at a hockey game. All I can figure is they are trying to get rid of this season's batch.

Look: The beer was surprisingly clear and was a dark copper with a reddish hue. There was no real head, but a sticky film was present and hung around the entire time.

Smell: I noticed the Belgian yeast esters first. Then some sweet fruitiness. I want to say Lambic qualities - maybe?

Taste: The palate was hit with a medicinal sweetness at first. Then the Belgian funk set in. Things seemed to thin out in the middle with a residual sweetness and a dry finish starting to set in. The alcohol seemed well masked until the end. Also as the beer warmed, I noticed more heat.

This was a good brew. The higher ABV was incorporated very well. This was not like any Belgian Strong I’ve ever had before. Not a real fan of fruit-themed beers.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2012 18:03:59 | More by CraftBeerTastic

nickthetick

Maryland

4.13/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a clear reddish amber into a Mad Elf tulip with two fingers of tan head that hang around a bit and leave little lacing.

S: cherries, vanilla, caramel, honey, plums and light citrus.

T: mirrors the nose well. A lot of cherries, plums and berries are right up front. The sweetness of the honey and caramel does not go unnoticed and makes the tart berry and cherry more recognizable. There is an alcohol sting.

MF: medium body, just a bit chewy, light effervescence and just a tad warm.

O: a great beer! I love it when this comes out, I buy it every year.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 02:11:35 | More by nickthetick

TechTriumph

Virginia

2.83/5  rDev -27.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

From notes on 12/19/11:
2011-12 release, batch #: 110920; Poured in a snifter.

A - 1/2" of off-white frothy head that dissipates very quickly; Clear, dark, ruby red color that reminds me of cranberry juice; No lacing to be had

S - Unique smell here for sure; Lots of cherry smelling cough drops, slightly herbal, and hints of ginger spice, berries, and red wine

T - Very sweet up front with a mix of cherry flavor and ginger-like spices; I would describe the cherry flavor as being much closer to cough syrup than natural; The finish is slightly tart and spicy with a decent dose of alcohol burn and warmth

M - Lighter side of medium bodied and fairly crisp, which is surprising considering the ABV in this beer; Some carbonation present; Somewhat creamy, but also syrupy mouthfeel; A bit of alcohol taste and burn found mostly in the finish

O - I must say that I was a little disappointed with this beer. It wasn't all bad for me, but the cherry cough syrup taste combined with a decent amount of alcohol presence prevented this from being too drinkable. I bet some age would improve this beer quite a bit, but I'm not sure I could purchase this one again.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 03:05:56 | More by TechTriumph

JerseyKirk

New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: amber red, small head, reddish, white head.

S: cherry, apple, honey, sweet, sugar.

T: cherry, honey, smooth, slight malt.

M: sweet, thick, syrupy. Delicious.

O: delicious. Super scary easy to drink. Love to cellar and do a vertical. Awesome high octane without sourness from the fruit.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 20:17:24 | More by JerseyKirk

cosmo4u

New York

3.45/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

tap takeover at holy smoke

Tröegs Mad Elf is a very clear and dense, coppery red ale with a thin, sand colored head that fades to a film and leaves decent lacing on the glass. It has a very strong, sweet aroma of cherries. Deeper in the nose is a medicinal note. It’s pretty full bodied and syrupy with a slightly sticky finish. It has a pretty sweet flavor. Cherries are prominent but so is resiny wood. A little green bitterness comes in at the finish, along with black pepper. The aftertaste is kind of oaky and spicy.

Serving type: on-tap

01-29-2012 15:05:57 | More by cosmo4u

avalon07

South Carolina

3.58/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured from a bottle to a goblet. Had a ruby color and a cloudy consistency. Almost no head to speak of. Very little lacing either.

S: Lots of cherry in the aroma, along with yeast as well.

T: Tasted of malt, cherries, yeast, and some indeterminate spices. This is a very boozy beer - especially in the finish - and it almost derails the flavor.

M: A well-carbonated beer with a harsh (because of the alcohol) finish. Full-bodied.

O: An uneven beer, to say the least. It has some good qualities, but others are less impressive.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 13:10:25 | More by avalon07

greenmonstah

New Hampshire

3.08/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle poured into Allagash chalice

A - Very aggressive pour eked out a one finger head, tan in color. Red-amber in color with plenty of bubbles pouring up from the bottom.

S - Sweet cherry. Belgian yeast producing some banana esters. A bit of cinnamon spices the beer. Not picking up much honey.

T - Cripplingly sweet, even overly so. Booze is powerful, but covered largely by the sweetness. Tons of cherry. Sweet sweet cherry, not dark. Cherry cough syrup. Way too medicinal for my tastes.

M - Medium to full in body, with a slight dryness in the back of the mouth at the finish. Wet and sticky otherwise.

O - Overall I just don't love to drink it. It tastes far too medicinal. The alcohol and the cherry juice drown everything else out and keep me from really enjoying this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 00:56:23 | More by greenmonstah

jhartley

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into a snifter glass.
Received a 6 pack for a Christmas gift.

A-Great looking label! Bottle imprinted with 2011-2012 Batch#110812. A beautiful ruby red-brown color, almost looks like iced tea. 1 finger head that quickly dissipated. Not much lacing.

S-You definitely know there's cherries in this one! Also picking up on the malts and a somewhat raisin like smell; tart.

T-Cherry right away leads into a nice maltiness and finishes with a nice alcohol bite. Sweet N Tart. For sure a Belgian style. Really pick up on the honey at the end

M-Tangy, tart and sweet. Enough alcohol at the end to cut the sweetness.

O-A great holiday/winter warmer for sure the 11% abv kicks in at the end, you want to be careful how many of this you're going to drink and be careful once you get up. I definitely could not drink this one all the time, but it was/is very nice for a change of pace. If you're a fan of Belgians; give this one a try.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 20:47:27 | More by jhartley

Infamous7100

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a near copper, mostly clear with a nice two finger head. Lighter than most Belgian darks.
S: some dark fruit and certainly cherries. I am getting hints of honey, but I belieive its being a tad overshadowed by the malt. Not as much spice or evergreen notes as most holiday ales.
T: follows closey to tne nose. Not quite as much dark fruit flavor as most traditonal Belgian darks, but still very good. A tad more boozy/sweet than one might like, but I can't complain.
M: Lighter than one would think and not nearly as harsh as an an 11% abv would lead you to believe. Its a sipper, but it is smooth.
O: a great beer, not just a great holiday beer. It is expensive, but worth it. Age one if you get the chance.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2012 04:55:13 | More by Infamous7100