Troeg beers

[Beaver]

I sampled the Troeg's Rugged Trail Nut Brown tonight. I was a little let down. I've got one of their Oatmeal Stouts in the fridge...maybe they can redeem themselves. :)

Here are my notes:

Pours a reddish brown with a fizzy light brown head that is quickly gone save for a thin collar that eventually fizzes out as well.

The aroma is malty, nutty, chocolate.

The taste is sweet malt up front (a little too sweet and kind of chemical tasting) with chocolate notes followed by a crisp nutty finish. It is medium to thin bodied with low carbonation, a little watery.

Overall, a somewhat uninspired brown ale.

[Beaver]

I decided to open up the Oatmeal Stout, and I'm happy to say that Troegs has redeemed themselves!

The Oatmeal Stout pours an opaque black with deep red highlights. It has a thick light brown head that went down to a thin film and collar that laced the glass.

Its aroma is dark roasted malts with some chocolate and oats.

The taste is bitter roasted malts up front, followed by some creamy chocolate and subtle cherry. It ends with a well balanced, sweet and bitter aftertaste. It has a nice, creamy, fairly full-bodied mouthfeel that coats your mouth.

Overall, an excellent stout!

[threecb]

IMHO, the Rugged Trail is my least favorite of their line. The Hopback Amber is very good, the Sunshine Pils is a nice, hoppy pils, and as you found out, the Oatmeal Stout is excellent. Seasonals from them are excellent as well.

[chazwicke]

I purchased some of the Mad Elf at Christmas but have yet to try it. It's in the fridge still. I think I sent one to Steveh. I look forward to his review. ( If I didn't let me know and I'll send one Steveh. ):)

[Theakston]

Mad Elf is pretty damn good. dark amber. aroma of honey and spices. Yeast has typical belgian banana-clove hints. aftertaste of chocolate, cherries and plums. warm, sweet but not cloying.
It will definitely benefit from a little aging - I got a sixer and saved 4 for next year. Usually these strong, fairly sweet ales mellow over time.

[threecb]

Mad Elf was in my top 3 picks for this year's Holiday Seasonals. I'd say the color was more of a Red/Pink/Amber. All of Theakston's other notes are right on, though. Not cloying at all. The cherries used only show up in the finish, more of a tartness then sweetness. I think I have 2 that I'm aging until next year.

It was definitely a mad rush for the Mad Elf, though. I picked up a sixpack when it was released, had one, went back less than a week later and grabbed the last six in the store!

[davesarman]

I got a Mad Elf from a trade as well along with some other Troeg's beers last fall/winter. I think it might have been from you, chazwicke! (So many trades, it's hard to keep track who I got what from!:) ) I remember it being one of the better winter beers I'd had in quite some time.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by davesarman
(So many trades, it's hard to keep track who I got what from!:)

I know the feeling! Thanks to all whom I have traded with over the past months!

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I purchased some of the Mad Elf at Christmas but have yet to try it. It's in the fridge still. I think I sent one to Steveh. I look forward to his review. ( If I didn't let me know and I'll send one Steveh. ):)

There is a Troeg's Holiday Beer in the mix -- but I didn't check the label closely. I put one of the Oak Stouts in the fridge yesterday, but I won't get to it until sometime over the weekend.

S.

[chazwicke]

Congrats on 1500 posts!

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Congrats on 1500 posts!

D'oh - another milestone missed. Thanks...I think? ;)

S.

[Blkandrust]

I had some Troegenator,Double Bock not long ago.Good stuff at about 8.5%.

[wortchillergoal]

I am sampling a Troegs Sunshine Pils this evening through the kindness of ClockworkOrange. I know I have said that Pilsners are not my faves, but I still like trying new beers.

I have a very clean footed pilsner glass from which to drink this beer. It pours a nice pale gold color. The carbonation is just right for the temp here tonight. It formed a nice tight head of tiny bubbles.

I don't think it is as hoppy as PU, but it has been some time since I tried one of those. They use a noble hop in this beer. It starts out in the mid ground of tase and finishes nice on the back side. I fins the body to be just past thin to moderate.

I don't know that I would seek this beer out, yet like a pickup hockey game never refuses a last minute goalie, I would not refuse this if offered. If I encounter someone looking to try different Pilsners, I would suggest he get this one.

I had some other Troegs beers at Omegang's festival. They have some very nice product. If you can get any of their beers, try them.

[steveh]

Geez Wort -- 2004? You could'a started a new thread!

:D

S.

[chazwicke]

I like the Sunshine Pils very much. It is a big seller for Troegs as well. They seem to run out near the end of the summer and it becomes hard to find. Troegs makes some fine beers.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I like the Sunshine Pils very much. It is a big seller for Troegs as well. They seem to run out near the end of the summer and it becomes hard to find. Troegs makes some fine beers.

Ditto!

That reminds me, I need to start hording it :)

[chazwicke]

I want a sixtel for my beach place.

[denver brewhoo]

Originally posted by steveh
Geez Wort -- 2004? You could'a started a new thread!

:D

S.


I know--I opened it and said, gee whiz, Beaver's back, haven't seen a post from him in a while....then I saw the 2004

maybe wcg's just trying to be efficient, not clutter the joint up....goalies are always neatening things up around the crease.

I kinda liked that Sunshine pils my own self, but then I'm realizing I kinda like everything per my recent admission re Peroni...

But I have always REALLY liked the Hopback "Amber". quotes because this is more a subtle, very well made APA than an "amber" IMHO.

[wortchillergoal]

Originally posted by denver brewhoo
maybe wcg's just trying to be efficient, not clutter the joint up....goalies are always neatening things up around the crease.

You bet, gotta keep the crease clean. Easier to slide from post to post(nice play on words). On the real side, it is a habit I have gotten from one of the goalie boards I visit. Heaven help your soul if you start a new thread when one on the subject has been posted before.

[nismo80]

well since i live next door to the brewery...

been meaning to get there but, recently local distr had a rep there for tasting. sadly he only offered the 4 in the variety pack.

Hopback- thought i would dislike, sinc ei don't really like bitter beers, but tasted very good. though straight out the bottle at home, didn't taste so yummy. will try again in a glass.

Pale Ale- was good there, had one just now, very good.

Dreamweaver- had before, and still like it

Rugged Trail- taste good, but obvious it's lighter/watery.

so wish he brought the others. I dearly want to try the DoubleBock Troegenator.

Had a sip of Mad-Elf last week, wished I got some when it was still around.



So it seems my taste is a wide range as i search for what i like. sadly though, my Yuengling Lager doesn't seem as good anymore. :(

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I want a sixtel for my beach place.

That post was from 06 and I did indeed get 2 sixtels for the beach this past summer of 07. Great brew.