The Brew SiteAdvent Beer Calendar 2021: Day 18: Tröegs Independent Brewing The Mad Elf
On this day in 1966, the television special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! first aired, based on the 1957 children’s book by Dr. Seuss. Like Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and a few others, the animated special is considered a holiday classic, so in honor of that debut, today’s Advent beer celebrates another “mad elf” (yes, it’s a reach, but a fun one) — The Mad Elf from Pennsylvania’s Tröegs Independent Brewing.
This imperial strength holiday ale is brewed in the style of a Belgian dark strong ale, with cherries and honey spicing things up. It’s a whopping 11% ABV and the description says:
The Mad Elf is here with its nuanced blend of sweet and tart cherries, Pennsylvania honey, chocolate malt and a hint of mischief. The essence of this legendary holiday ale, along with its ruby red glow, is born from five varieties of tree-ripened cherries. Local wildflower honey sweetens the celebration, and a spicy Belgian yeast adds subtle notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice. It’s not the holidays until you’ve had your first Mad Elf.
The year, The Mad Elf has a whole new look:
Mad Elf’s new art – created in collaboration with Florida illustrator Joshua Noom – is the fourth iteration since 2002. The art takes cues from the past while moving him mischievously into the future.
“We have a history of reimagining the Elf,” says Tröegs brother Chris Trogner. “Mad Elf is a beer that really captures the holidays for so many people. And not just beer lovers. A lot of people who don’t regularly drink beer have a special connection with Mad Elf. This new art really captures what people love about it – it’s festive, nostalgic, and a whole lot of fun.”
Tröegs poured its first beer in 1997, and over the past 24 years the brewery has brewed up a wide range of beers across many styles. The annual return of The Mad Elf is, much like rewatching How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, an essential part of the holiday season—don’t miss out!
Find Tröegs Independent Brewing The Mad Elf on:
Image credits: Tröegs website.