Troegs is one of those breweries that has traditionally struck me as average.  I can enjoy their brew, but I typically don't go out of my way to pick up any unless it is on sale, and even then it doesn't blow my socks off.  My complaint with the brewery, is that they don't put out many "specialty brews."  In their defense, they are a young brewery, and they did put out their Scratch Beer series that for some reason doesn't reach me here in Northwest Ohio. Nonetheless, a seasonal always strikes my fancy, and it was recommended by a friend on twitter, so we decided to give it a go. The Pour: Mad Elf produces quite a beautiful pour.  Striking red and copper colors fill the glass.  The beer is inredibly clean and clear.  The head was small and lacked in retention; not quite what I would look forward to from a beer that is brewed in the Belgian style. The Nose: This beer releases a bold bouquet of awesome aroma.  It is so incredibly sweet smelling, it just reeks of an old fashioned candy store, while the subtle clove and herbal aroma remind a bit of the natural foods store.  There are aromas ...

Why would an elf be mad?  I don't know...forced labor, watching Santa engorge himself on turkey legs night after night, staring people in the knees on a daily basis, blister covered hands from slaving away on toys that are destined to be outgrown in a years...  Or perhaps "mad" means crazy/insane, in which case all of the above listed grievances could lead to bizarre or "mad" behavior.  Regardless, I hope it is slightly conciliatory to our tiny friends that they have a beer named after them, and that at the suggestion of @momentaryzen we will be indulging in their namesake brew this Saturday. Troegs, based out of Harrisburg, PA is somewhat of a local favorite around here, but as far as I know, they distribute fairly widely.  Mad Elf is considered a strong Belgian ale, and should be a great winter warmer at 11%.  As we know, alcohol dilates blood vessels lending the illusion of warmth (though it really aids in heat loss).  It should be a nice illusion for us northwestern Ohioans who are currently experiencing sub zero temperatures. Here are the details on this brew: Tröegs Mad Elf Ale Alcohol by Volume: 11% Hop Bitterness (IBU's): 15 Color: Ruby Red Availability: Seasonal If you can't find ...

In all honesty, to some extent, I am affected by the presentation of a bottle of a beer as I walk through the beer aisle.  I don't base my judgment of the flavor and quality of the contents on such superficialities, but a nicely dressed bottle is eye catching.  That being said, there is something about the outfit that Delirium Noel (and all the other Delirium brews that screams from the shelf, "Try me."  Since the other two Delirium beers--Nocturnum and Tremens--from Brouwerij Huyghe fared well in under my scrutinizing sensory nerves, Noel stood a fair chance. The Pour: After pouring Delirium Noel into my tulip glass, I was astonished to see two Christmas bulbs, some green garland, and a donkey from the nativity scene in my glass!  Just kidding; but, the beer did pour a deep mahogany color with striking ruby red highlights that reminded me of the metallic red foil that had ensconced the rubber (surprised that real 'cork' material was not used) stopper.  The beer was crystal clear...not a hint of sediment or suspended protein.  A luscious white head left sticky lacing. The Nose: The aroma was moderately complex.  Typical for the style, notes of banana, clove, and nutmeg were present.  ...

If you haven't noticed by now, Christmas beers are really starting to pour in.  I've seen some that I'm really interested in...and then I've seen some others.  I'm looking forward to Affligem, St. Bernardus Christmas, and Delirium Noel.  I'm sure that I'll be picking up some others, but in some sense, it's beginning to look a lot like fall/pumpkin ales.  One thing is for sure, the spices will be flowing.  At any rate, I just want to post a quick reminder that your favorite Christmas ales will be coming out soon, so be on the look out for them, and I hope we can all avoid the pitfall of buying the bad ones. What are you looking forward to?  What were your bad Christmas Ale experiences?  Tell us your mindset when it comes to the Christmas Ales.