troegs mad elf ale

[bigben]

just wondering if anyone has had this stuff. I had one at a local bar and was surprised they only limit you to two of em. it is a shame that it is such a high alchol content ya can't really enjoy more then one.

[Ales-Stouts]

I'd say the Mad Elf is one of the best winter seasonals around, I
have my case already, definitely have to grab it early as it sells
fast.

I like to put 2 or 3 away for the first winter storm to come
my way, then I drink them while watching my neighbors shovel
out the vehicles only to do it a second time when the plows come
thru.

I always wait until the plows go to the next street over to start
digging out.

[bigben]

where I live there are no neighbors just me. I encourage anyone to try it. good stuff indeed just wish it did not have such a high alchol content.

[D0nc0smic]

I love the stuff, have gotten a few sixers of it each of the last two winters, and hell, if i'm staying home on a cold winter night, the high alchohol content desn't bother me a bit.

[ClockworkOrange]

This years batch is really tasty. ( Anybody pick up the 3L bottle this year?). I still have 5 bottles left from last year that I'm saving to see how well it holds up. I agree, this is my current favorite winter warmer due to the high alc. But as I type this, I'm enjoying a Bell's Winter White Ale. Extremely flavorful for only clocking in at 4.5%. This could turn out to be my winter session beer from now on. Try both of these great beers this winter if you see them.

[zoom6zoom]

The Elf stores well. I still have a few from last year left.

[wortchillergoal]

I sampled it at the Ommegang event this past summer and I regret doing so. Why? Because I can't find it around herre and my tounge knows what it is missing.

[kinjar]

I love the stuff, but agree that its high alcohol content keeps me from having too much during the season. I usually go through a six pack for the season (get through putting up the lights outside and decorating the tree).

Of course, with the weather we've been having in VA, it's hard to truly enjoy the "Winter Warmer" aspect of it.

[ClockworkOrange]

Originally posted by kinjar
Of course, with the weather we've been having in VA, it's hard to truly enjoy the "Winter Warmer" aspect of it.

I'm not complaining about the weather at all. I'll happily rely on my imagination to put me in the spirit of the season.

[andrewjames]

I'm going home to Pennsylvania for Christmas and hoping and looking forward to a white Christmas! And the Mad Elf!

[bigben]

how do you store it for the following years consumption. I do not want to take up fridge space and I have no celler or basement. I do see a seperate beer fridge. mainly because I feel after the new year I am gonna try brewing my own.

[Thetz]

well I had a taste of the MAD ELF this weekend. I have to say there are other winter beers that I like better. I was disappointed. This beer had a lot going on. I think this beer was a little to bitter for me.....I mean I would give it another try but I am not willing to pay what $13.00 for a sixer...no way....I could spend that on something else that I enjoy.

Im a little surprised that so many people liked it. I usually agree with everyones taste when it comes to beers or at least understand their thoughts....oh well guess its ok to not follow the pack sometimes...:D

[Insidious Rex]

Actually it was on sale for $13.99. Regularly $16.99... :eek:

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by bigben
how do you store it for the following years consumption. I do not want to take up fridge space and I have no celler or basement. I do see a seperate beer fridge. mainly because I feel after the new year I am gonna try brewing my own.

If you keep the beer in the fridge for a year it will not age very quickly. it is better for cellared beers to be kept in a cool dark spot rather than a refrigerator.

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by Thetz
Im a little surprised that so many people liked it. I usually agree with everyones taste when it comes to beers or at least understand their thoughts....oh well guess its ok to not follow the pack sometimes...

I completely agree with you, Thetz. While I think it masks the 11% alcohol quite, even alarmingly, well, I find the beer itself so-so. Tasted very much of cherry syrup rather than real cherries, and I found the overall backbone to be bland. Which sucks because I've loved every other offering I've tried from Troegs (Hopback Amber is still a mindblower) and everyone I've spoken with about the Mad Elf has said previous years have been far better (this is the first year I've been able to find it). And you're right, $15 for a sixer is just excessive (even though I readily shell out $9 for bombers/750s).

For what it's worth, I think the 2006 Anchor OSA and Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice are fantastic. My 3-year old homebrewed barleywine ain't too bad either. ;)

[krippendroph]

wow i grew up new AB and love alot of their brews never had heard of mad elf till i saw it in a store this past dec. snagged a sixer gave it a whirl and... bleh not for me! the after taste not good. i see i/we (wife) are in a huge minorty. i even took it to my homebrew club tasting and several enjoyed it throughly some not so much and then i see this thread ah well just goes to show the difference of people in the world brew on AB i say brew on!