Tröegs Independent Brewing has announced its “Most Wonderful Beer Weekend”, which will take place at the brewery between Thursday, November 16 and Sunday, November 19.
The 4-day event hosted by the Hershey, PA-based brewery highlights its beloved holiday ale, Mad Elf. Featuring five varieties of cherries and Pennsylvania wildflower honey, the cheerful, ruby red ale has been a seasonal favorite for more than two decades.
“Mad Elf captures so many things about the holidays for so many people,” says Tröegs co-founding brother Chris Trogner. “It’s a beer that’s become synonymous with the season.”
The event kicks off on Thursday with the release of limited-edition 16oz. cans of Mad Elf donning a commemorative label featuring all iterations of the iconic artwork over the years.
Also on Thursday, Tröegs will release two limited beers on draft and in 12oz. cans: Naked Elf, a Belgian-style ale that’s a stripped-down version of Mad Elf minus the cherries, honey, and chocolate malt; and the brand-new Gingerbread Cookie Stout, a chewy, dark beer that harkens back to grandma’s time-honored cookie recipes.
Visitors can try a holiday flight of these two beers alongside Mad Elf and Mad Elf Grand Cru, a special “director’s cut” brewed exclusively with tart Balaton cherries.
Additionally, the Snack Bar will feature Mad Elf-inspired dishes all weekend long, including the return of fan-favorite Mad Elf Fondue, as well as a meat and cheese plate and cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.
On Friday, a fresh firkin of Blizzard of Hops Winter IPA, a cold-weather favorite, will be tapped at 5 p.m.
On Saturday in the Tasting Room, the first one hundred customers who order Mad Elf on draft will receive their beer in a free souvenir chalice they can take home. Chalices will be available to purchase after the initial one hundred have been claimed.
From 1 to 3 p.m. in the General Store, visitors can enjoy a beer and cheese sampling with Clover Creek Cheese Cellar. Tröegs will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys during this time as part of its Perpetual Giving campaign to benefit Hershey Cocoa Packs.
In addition to the full Snack Bar menu, hungry patrons on Saturday can dig into Mad Elf beer brats served on split-top rolls.
Sunday is all about brunch with a variety of specials including challah French toast, quiche with Mad Elf sausage, broiled oysters, loaded tots, and dry-aged steak and eggs. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Temple Avenue Jazz Quintet will entertain brunch-goers in the Tasting Loft from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Additionally, themed cocktails like cranberry-orange mimosas, spiked apple cider with bourbon and spices, and mulled wine will be served on Sunday. Brunch specials and cocktails are available while supplies last.
“This weekend is all about Mad Elf,” says Trogner. “We hope you come celebrate the Most Wonderful Beer of the Year at the brewery with us. And remember, it’s not the holidays until you’ve had your first Mad Elf.”
