Tröegs Mad Elf
Drinking a 2010 edition from a 22 oz. bomber. Looking forward to trying this one since a buddy told me how much he loved it this past July. Appearance: Very amber with an almost purple glow. No head, no lacing. The color is very striking, but nothing else is. Aroma: Honey and cherries are there (the bottle touts this additions on the label). Some doughy tanginess too. Definitely some spicy and herbal qualities presents after it warms up a bit. Taste: Hot and tangy right off the bat, but a quick, honey, rich sweetness rushes in. As the flavor develops, the cherries and dark fruits come out. This one opens up quite a bit as it warms to reveal a real hop-driven spiciness that goes well with the other flavors. Mouthfeel/Drinkability: This is thick in body, but much like a good Belgian strong ale, it isn't so much cloying. It is heavy on the palette and your mouth is going to be busy while drinking this one. This one bomber lasted me all evening, so not one to get in a time pinch or to fill a pint glass with. It's 11% is very real. Overall: This one really grew on me as I drank it. It definitely benefits from warming up a bit. Drinks heavy, almost like a port or rich wine. All the flavors (cherries, honey, malt, hops, heat) create a simultaneously tangy, spicy, sweet, and slightly sour beer. I'm going to go out to get one of these for the cellar. I could see why this one could get better with a little more melding of these flavors. 33 Beers Flavor Chart (5 high to 1 low): Alcohol/Solvent: 4 Dark Fruits: 4 Citrus Fruits: 2 Hoppy (pine): 1 Floral: 1.5 Spicy: 3 Herbal: 2 Malty: 3.5 Toffee: 2 Burnt: 1.5 Sweet: 3.5 Sour: 2 Bitter: 2.5 Astringent: 1 Body: 3.5 Linger: 4