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The Mad Elf

 

TRÖEGS—The Mad Elf

Holiday Ale brewed with Cherries & Honey

11%abv

 

Those of you who have been lifting the elbow along with me for any time now know, Tröegs is among the very few American brewers I feel any enthusiasm for whatsoever; and as the ‘Long Oktoberfest’ has drawn to a close and the Holiday Season is fast upon us, it therefore being inclement and apropos to celebrate with some delicious winter beers (before we start spiking the eggnog and mulling the wassail) I offer my praise to The Mad Elf, sure to help Santa pack on the pounds and climb your neighbors’ rooftop.

            At once sweet and tart, with every sip—the subtle bitterness of chocolate malt never o’erpowering the palate, neither the yeast which avoids oversouring—the perfect balance; quite rare in a beer this strong: comparable to the finest Belgian Trappist ales, truth to tell, meaning you can sip this slowly by the fire while visions of sugarplums dance in your head, or go through a six-pack like soda and snore through a flying sleigh-ride to wake up in the North Pole in the middle of endless night, sweat emanating from every pore melting the ice caps, to stumble into the elves’ workshop and ask them to brew you another pint!

            Ho! Ho! Ho! (goes down equally well by menorah light, as I write)

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