It’s the news you’ve been waiting for: We’re ushering in the holidays with a variety of festive beers.

At the center of our collection is Mad Elf, a cheerful ruby red creation reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey and cocoa that’s become a holiday icon.

“For many beer drinkers, the holidays don’t truly start until they’ve had their first Mad Elf,” said Tröegs founding brother and brewmaster John Trogner. “We think Tröegs has a place on every holiday table.”

Back in 2002, when our founding brothers Chris and John were busy brewing, cleaning, bartending and even giving tours on weekends, they hatched a plan to catch their breath and have a little fun. They wanted to brew a big, bold Belgian-style holiday ale with a little something extra.

On the very first brew day, the brothers added cherries and honey to the mix and punched out. When they returned the next day, “You could smell this really fruity aroma in the air,” says John. “We were excited … until we got back to the fermentation tanks and found a sticky, foamy mess all over the ground.” That first batch may have gone sideways, but a legend was born.

Weighing in at 11% ABV, this warm and inviting holiday ale features notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice. There’s a lot to love about Mad Elf. Near the top of that list is 25,000 pounds of local honey from The Happy Beekeeper in Carlisle, PA.

“When you taste honey, you’re getting a slice of nature,” says the beekeeper’s daughter. “And it’s best to get that pure, local source.” Mad Elf is available now.

Blizzard of Hops

The winter edition of our rotating Hop Cycle IPA series is Blizzard of Hops. Brewed as a celebratory beer, this winter IPA is a nod to hop growers around the world, thanking them for another successful harvest.

With its storm of hoppy citrus and pine notes, Blizzard of Hops is a bright reminder the end of the Hop Cycle is only the beginning. Available now.

Double Blizzard

Since Blizzard of Hops has firmly secured its place as a holiday staple, it was time to crank the dial up to 11. With Double Blizzard, a cooler temperature for the kettle hop additions softens the character of the Centennial, Chinook and El Dorado.

Dry-hopped with four pounds per barrel of Chinook and Galaxy, this semi-hazy Double IPA clocks in at 8.3% ABV. Available early December.

Mad Elf Grand Cru

Mad Elf Grand Cru – a companion release to Mad Elf – is like the “director’s cut” of our iconic holiday ale. It’s the addition of tart Balaton cherries that soaks up the spotlight here.

Flush with notes of cinnamon and clove, Grand Cru is a beer that begs to be shared. Available now.

Most Wonderful Beer variety pack

Speaking of sharing, our Most Wonderful Beer of the Year 12-pack sampler includes everything needed to help spread a little cheer at your holiday celebration. Each 12-pack includes two cans of winter favorites Mad Elf and Blizzard of Hops, plus year-round staples Perpetual IPA, Troegenator Double Bock, and DreamWeaver Wheat. New for this year, we’re also including a sneak peek of our Grand Cacao Chocolate Stout, which will be available year-round in early 2021. Available now.

While you’re checking out our holiday beers, don’t forget to dive into our Food Notes for complementary and contrasting pairing suggestions. Our brewmaster and chefs put their heads together to nudge you toward flavors that work with our beers and away from flavors that don’t. Complement Mad Elf’s sweet, fruity profile with marshmallow yams. For a contrasting pairing, try Troegenator with your favorite fruitcake recipe to add a fruity, spicy dimension to Nator’s raisiny malt flavor.

Locate these and other beers from Tröegs using this Brew Finder, or order beer straight from the brewery via Tröegs To-Go Curbside service. Peruse beer, food and merchandise at our online General Store.

For media inquiries, please email Jeff Herb, Marketing Communications Coordinator, at jherb@troegs.com.