Photo by Micah Beree
Tröegs Brewery was founded in 1996 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, with the brewery’s first keg tapping in 1997. At the time, Philadelphia was proving to be a budding beer city with dozens of bars that cared as much about beer as they did about food.
The name “Tröegs” comes from a family nickname, merging the founders’ surname Trogner with the Flemish word Kroeg, which means pub. Even today the brothers are still an integral part of the day-to-day business of the brewery. John oversees the brewing side of the company, while Chris handles the business end.
Beer drinkers ready for something unique should look no further than Tröegs Mad Elf. A full-on attack of your taste buds, this holiday brew combines sweet and sour cherries, Pennsylvania honey and chocolate malts to create a beer like no other.
This beast of a beer packs a wallop at 11 percent ABV, far above most beers currently filling the shelves. This must-have ale is only available through the last three months of the year and should be sought out immediately as a perfect addition to your holiday cheer.
Mad Elf is available in both 12-ounce bottle six-packs for a retail price of $13.49 and 22-ounce bombers for $7.99. Also look out for a Mad Elf collectible box set, which hits shelves each year, featuring a 22-ounce bottle and a companion tulip glass.
As with most great craft beers, Mad Elf can be found at Acme Fresh Markets, Giant Eagle, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Heinen’s, West Point Market and other fine craft beer establishments.
/ Writer Aaron Fowler is a bit of craft beer geek. Though he may deem himself a bonafide hophead, he never passes up a well-defined stout.
