I was visiting one our local stores today and was surprised to see Troegs Mad Elf already available. So I picked some up for camping over the weekend and of course I had to try one. I actually tried this beer last year but, it was at a beer bar after the Belgian Fest at Max’s on Broadway in Baltimore and didn’t pay much attention to how good this beer really is. I’m not a big fruit beer lover, with the exception of pumpkin beer but this beer Is really enjoyable. It has a really balanced feel, with not to much sweetness with notes of honey at the end. The Cherries really come through especially after sitting out for a bit to warm up. It’s hard to believe this beer is 11% abv. My palette is far from refined and I’m admittedly still learning the right words to describe what I like, but for you new guys (like me) you need to try this. But be careful, 11% can sneak up on you real fast! My next post will hopefully be some pics from the Dogfish Head Brewery tour.
Filed under: beer | Tagged: cherries, fruit beer, mad elf, troegs
You had that back in October???? I actually just tried it the day after Christmas, and everything you say I would agree with. It didn’t come across as a ‘fruity’ beer to me, but just enough of the cherry to make it interesting. 11% WILL sneak up on you – it doesn’t taste that strong! Happy 2009!!!!