Review: Tröegs Mad Elf

Tröegs Mad Elf Holiday Ale
11.0% ABV
Troegs Brewing Co., Hershey, PA
12 oz bottle
Served in Dogfish Head Signature Glass 
Date on bottle: 2012-13
Reviewed on 12/6/12

This ale pours a reddish amber color with an ivory-colored head.  Moderate carbonation.  Mild lacing.

On the nose, aromas of malt, cherries, slight hops, alcohol, sugar, mild citrus, slight floral.

Taste has cherries, honey, malt at the front end. Alcohol, citrus, sugar, spices, floral notes present as well.

Thick, syrupy feel on the palate.  Some bitterness present.  Good bite on the mouth.  Balance?  I don't think so.

Overall, this is an interesting, flavorful ale with an unusual profile of flavors and no real sense of balance.  There are tastes of alcohol, but it's not as overwhelming as it could be given the ABV.  At times, it seems like you're drinking cough syrup (it's even cherry flavored!), and at times, it seems like you're drinking something truly inspired.  Serious points for being interesting and unusual, even if for me it doesn't always quite work.  "Mad Elf" is the perfect name for this concoction, as it is truly mad!

My score: 90