Day 24: Tröegs Independent Brewing Mad Elf Ale

Why We Picked It: When we think of Christmas and beer, we often think of Mad Elf. Once more limited and unavailable in six packs, we were excited to find this on the shelf and know its a strong finish to the beer advent. It does change  bit year to year, so there is always some variation is flavor. Warning: It packs a punch! So if you are forced to hold your tongue while having conversations with disagreeable relatives, it may losen tongues quickly.

What Tröegs  Says About It:  The holidays at Tröegs start with our inner Mad Elf momentarily taking over the brew deck. So blame “him” for this cheerful ruby red creation reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey and cocoa with notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice.


ABV: 11% 
IBU: 18
Hops: Hallertau, Saaz

Fun Facts: The story of Med Elf, per  Billy Penn: "The story begins in Harrisburg, where John and Chris Trogner were presiding over Troegs, then a small brewery that had been open for just six years. They were putting together variety packs for Christmas, not exactly a fun process. It involved them placing different beers into six packs, one-by-one, and the tedium boiled over into what John Trogner describes as “delirium.”

At some point, a delivery truck came with some extra wine barrels. In their delirious state, making a holiday beer and putting it into a wine barrel sounded like a good idea. They discussed cherries and honey for flavor and because it was the holidays the brothers figured “it sure would be nice to have 11 percent beer to go along with friends and family." 

The original recipe for Mad Elf was born. After speaking with a couple of local breweries who expressed interest, the Trogners decided to make a batch of 20 to 30 kegs. But they’d never made a beer as strong as Mad Elf. Their closest was the Troegenator, at 8 percent. They combined cherries, malt and yeast the best way they knew how and let it sit.  

Three days or so later, they were giving a tour of the brewery when John Trogner recalls the intense aroma of honey and cherries. The Troegs brewery did not normally smell of honey and cherries. So they went to check: Turned out the yeast had foamed about three times more than an average beer, and their concoction exploded through the top of the fermenter tank.  

“It was all over the ground,” Trogner says. “A sea of froth, like 20 feet. It frothed out so much.”

They lost about half the batch. The other half didn’t explode onto a floor, but it went nearly as quickly at local bars. Mad Elf was an immediate success. The name came from Trogner’s brother-in-law during a drunken brainstorming session, and a local Harrisburg artist sketched the image of the elf."

Day 23: Stone Brewing Stone Ruination Double IPA 2.0

Why We Picked It: Need another good double IPA. Plus, we will all need a good hard drink with the holidays upon us.

What Dogfish Says About It: Stone Ruination IPA was the first full-time brewed and bottled West Coast Double IPA on the planet. As craft beer has evolved over the years, so too have techniques for maximizing hop flavors and aromas. When we updated this incarnation in 2015, we employed dry hopping and hop bursting to squeeze every last drop of piney, citrusy, tropical, punk, metal & hard rock essence from the hops that give this beer its hugely assertive character. Now we’ve arrived at its newest evolutionary form by shoving it into the bottle unfiltered (aka sans filtre) and bringing it to you in its most excellently raw form. This beer has always been unbridled. Now it’s unfiltered.


ABV: 8.5% 
IBU: 100+
Featured Hops: Magnum, Nugget, Centennial, Simcoe, Citra® & Azacca

Fun Facts: Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone Brewing has come a long way since opening up in San Diego, California in 1996. We have been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 11 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. Stone Brewing is the eighth-largest craft brewer in the U.S. and with our breweries in Richmond, Virginia & Berlin, Germany, we join artisanal brewers across the world in the quest to show the public that there are more…and better…choices beyond the world of industrial beer. 

Day 22: Dogfish 75 Minute IPA

Why We Picked It: Dogfish makes amazing beers, and this is a hard one to find. 

What Dogfish Says About It: It’s been a minute … but 75 Minute IPA is back! What began as a cask-conditioned ale at our Rehoboth brewpub back in 2011, quickly grew to become a cult-favorite amongst craft enthusiasts. From the groucho glasses that adorned the label to it’s slightly dry and lingering bitterness, 75 Minute was (and is) beloved by many. Now in our latest iteration, this classic IPA is again brewed with maple syrup from Sam’s family farm in Massachusetts, while being continually hopped throughout the boil, and then dry-hopped with a slew of cascade hops. The result is a malty and earthy brew with citrusy-pine aromas, balanced by subtle maple notes. 

ABV: 7.5.9% 
IBU: 75
Food Pairings: Burgers, grilled meats, avocado.

Fun Facts:
https://youtu.be/Ob_mRTyba_k

Day 21: Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice

Why We Picked It: It's a winter we have not had much. Plus, I became obsessed with drinking Winter Solstice on the winter solstice. Also, I still like the beer with antlers... although I hope this beer is better than the last.

What Anderson Valley Says About It: Winter Solstice® is our take on the classic style of “winter warmer.” Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, its creamy finish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share with friends and family during the cold days and long nights of winter. 

ABV: 6.9% 
IBU: 6
Food Pairings: Roasted almonds, candied yams, baked spiral ham, pumpkin pie

Fun Facts: Per Wikipedia, "This fictional Anderson Valley native is part bear, part deer and looks like a bear with antlers.(Bear+Deer = Beer)"

Day 20: Cigar City Brewing Florida Cracker

Why We Picked It: We wanted to compare a witbiers, and this is the follow up to Bell's. Also, Cigar City refers to Ybor City in Tampa. Some know Ybor as the raucous bar scene referred to in Hold Steady songs. I also know it from my vague, blurred memories when I lived there are college. Hold Steady is correct: "Ybor City is tres speedy / but they throw such killer parties.”

What Cigar City Says About It:  Tasting Notes - Citrus aromas of oranges and lime leaves mingle with bubblegum and dried flowers on the nose of this hazy and refreshing Belgian-style White Ale. High carbonation and herbaceous bitterness quench the thirst while lemon-lime esters and flavors of Valencia orange add unique depth of flavor and complexity.

ABV: 5.5% 
IBU: 18
Medal: 2015 U.S. Beer Open Championships Silver Medal Witbier Category

Fun Facts: More from Cigar City: "The Cracker Cowboys of Florida were colonial-era settlers, often of Scots-Irish descent, who arrived in Florida when Spain traded their territory of La Florida to the English. The term Cracker in Florida usage relates to the whip these “cow hunters” used to herd cattle in Florida’s Palmetto Prairies. Called Quaqueros by the Spanish, these hardy and hard working Cracker Cowboys helped to shape the history of Florida, the nation’s oldest cattle raising state. We brew Florida Cracker White Ale with unmalted wheat, orange peel and coriander and then ferment it with a Belgian yeast strain to give it a spicy and dry finish. Perfect for a warm day on the Palmetto Prairie."

Beer Advent 2018: The Survey

We are in the home stretch for the 24 days of beer, and there is still time to share your thoughts and insights the beer of the day on the blog.

However, for those who fear they are not witty or pithy enough to comment (trust me, most of us are neither witty nor pithy), we would like to offer up the 24 days of beer survey for all participants. As memory allows, let us know what you have thought of the beers on a scale of 1 to 5 jingle bells (or elves or Santas or leg lamps or fantasy QB or whatever your scale may be). Note: The survey can be edited and updated as needed, so no need to wait until we consume all 24 beer. Simply click the link and "edit responses" to update as you go (yes, I should have created this earlier).

Submit your beer ratings now

Trouble with the link? Copy paste https://goo.gl/forms/TA97PQzm8afy6QiP2 into your browser.

Day 19: Bell's Brewery Winter White Ale

Why We Picked It: Bill suggested we incude a witbier and Bell's is one of the finest breweries in the country. If you like IPAs and haven't had Two-Hearted, go get it soon. 

What Bell's Says About It: An alternative to dark and heavy winter warmers and stouts, Winter White is a stylish and refreshing Wheat Ale. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast, this blend of barley and wheat malts yields a mixture of clove and fruity aromas, all without the use of any spices. Deliberately brewed to retain a cloudy appearance, Winter White is a beer for embracing winter.


ABV: 5% 
IBU: N/A

Glassware: Spiegelau or wheat glass

Fun Facts: Founded in 1985, Bell's is one of the true forefathers of the microbrewery movement. According the Bell's, "Our journey began with a 15-gallon soup kettle, a quest for better beer and countless batches of homebrew. The passion and personality that began Bell’s continues today through our breweries and Eccentric Café. We continue to grow and evolve, dedicated to our mission; to be fiercely independent, 100% family owned, deeply rooted to our community, committed to the environment and brewers of inspired beer."

Day 18: Uinta Yard Sale

Why We Picked It: I;ve had this in the past and enjoyed it. Also, the winter theme is appropriate amd we wanted to include another lager. 


What Uinta Says About It: Golden caramel malts lay down a base for a run of honey and earthy hops in this lager brewed for those who love all things winter.



ABV: 4% 
IBU: 22
Glassware: Nonick 

Fun Facts: Per Wikipedia, "The nonik (or nonic, pronounced "no-nick") a variation on the conical design, where the glass bulges out a couple of inches from the top; this is partly for improved grip, partly to prevent the glasses from sticking together when stacked, and partly to give strength and stop the rim from becoming chipped or "nicked".^[1] This design was invented by Hugo Pick, of Albert Pick & Co., who was awarded two US patents: design patent 44,616 (September 2, 1913) and patent 1,107,700 (August 18, 1914) – though the design patent was invalidated – and which was commercialized as Nonik (for "no-nick").^[2][3] The design was preceded by many other bulged glass designs, dating to the mid-19th century, which differed in having a severe bulge and different purposes (a stop for a jar cover, or placement in a soda glass holder), rather than the shallow bulge of this design.^[2]"

Day 17: Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

Why we picked it: Imperial means better, right? regardless, a quality brewery with a pretty bad ass artwork on the bottle. Our second Sierra Nevada in three days and our second straight start. 

What Sierra Nevada has to say: Narwhal Imperial Stout is inspired by the mysterious creature that thrives in the deepest fathoms of the frigid Arctic Ocean. Featuring incredible depth of malt flavor, rich with notes of espresso, baker’s cocoa, roasted grain and a light hint of smoke, Narwhal is a massive malt-forward monster. Aggressive but refined with a velvety smooth body and decadent finish, Narwhal will age in the bottle for years to come.

ABV: 10.2%
IBU: 60
Food Pairings: Cusine -  Chocolate Mousse, Braised Short Ribs, Tart Raspberry Cheesecake; Cheese - Gorgonzola.

Fun Facts: Per National Geograpic, "The narwhal is the unicorn of the sea, a pale-colored porpoise found in Arctic coastal waters and rivers. Narhwal Tusks. These legendary animals have two teeth. In males, the more prominent tooth grows into a swordlike, spiral tusk up to 8.8 feet long. The ivory tusk tooth grows right through thenarwhal's upper lip." (editors note: Until recently, I thought narwhals were mythical. I blame the Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer movie of my childhood. scape. 

Day 16: Nitro Merlin Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Why we picked it: We were looking for something in my milk stout genre and Firestone Walker has earned an excellent reputation.

What Firestone Walker has to say: Our first nitro beer is now available in cans. Just pour as directed, behold the wizardry and enjoy the mindblowing mouthful that we call Nitro Merlin Milk Stout.

ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 27
Fermentation: 100% Stainless Steel Fermentation

Fun Facts:Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery located on the coast of California. Our state-of-the-art brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. Our Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers. In 2015, we combined with another family-owned brewery, Duvel Moortgat, to help pave the way for our next 20 years and beyond. With deep roots in the Central Coast, we employ numerous sustainable practices that reflect our commitment to the local community and landscape. 

Day 15: Sierra Nevada Celebration

Why we picked it: Voted most popular last year, Celebration is the most regular participating beer in the history of 24DOB. We generally avoid repeats since its contrary to one of the objectives of beer advent. However, it would now seem weird to have a 24DOB without it. Coincidentally, we had it exactly one year ago today. 

What Sierra Nevada has to say: The start of Celebration season is a festive event. We can’t start brewing until the first fresh hops have arrived, but once they have the season is officially under way! First brewed in 1981, Celebration Ale is one of the earliest examples of an American-style IPA and one of the few hop-forward holiday beers. Famous for its intense citrus and pine aromas, Celebration is bold and intense, featuring Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops—honoring everything we have at Sierra Nevada. 

ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 65
Food Pairings: Cuisine -  Fish and Chips, Roasted Turkey and Dressing, Polenta and Grilled Vegetables; Cheese - Parmagiano Reggiano, Manchego



Fun Facts: OK, not really fun, but wanted to share. As a godfather of the microbrew movement, some of us know Sierra Nevada's operation are in the heart of the Camp Fire area. They have set up a fund supporting the recovery of the surrounding area.  Read more.

Additionally, They are created a beer -- appropriately named Resilience IPA -- that is 100% for the fund. And rather than limit it to themselve, they asked others brewers to make it too -- more than 1,200 have already agreed! So in a few weeks, you will be able to find it at Bluejacket in D.C., True Respite in Rockville, Atlas in D.C., POrt City in Alexandria, and many others. It's a very cool story that says a lot about the brewery community. Read more and you can see a list of all the breweries serving Resilience here.

Day 14: Jailbreak Special Lady Friend

Why We Picked It: A local IPA we haven't had yet. Yes, please. Plus the name and the artwork. Also, the name is a Big Lebowski reference (a common theme for Jailbreak)

What Jailbreak Says About It: Special Lady Friend is very special indeed, an all Mosaic hazy IPA which results from the culmination of experience gained through the last year or so of thoughtful experimentation with varied yeasts, hops, and procedural techniques. Originating from a sturdy base of 2-row, white wheat, and flaked oats, Special Lady Friend boasts a purified expression of Mosaic, given that Mosaic lupulin constitutes 50% of the dry hop by weight. Overripe pineapple, candied orange, and the fresh essence of blueberry dominate the nose, while the palate experience melds into a pithy melange of tropical fruit, ultimately resulting in a dry, yet soft, elegant finish. Cheers!.

ABV: 7% 
IBU: No (really?)

Fun Facts: "Jailbreak is a freedom expression. Beginning in 2013, and becoming fully operational in 2014, our artfully crafted beer is meant to be an escape from whatever drama is present in your life. We are made up of professionals from various industries, all brought together by the common desire to make something different and do something with our lives that has more purpose."

Note: We considered a get together for this, but the December schedules have consumed us and its not coming together. However, anyone who is near Columbia tomorrow is invited to stop in for a Celebration (both the beer and the activity).

Day 13: Boulevard Snow & Tell Oak Aged Scotch Ale

Why We Picked It: As it is a unique style, we like to throw in a wee heavy into the mix. And, again, we are big fans of the brewery. Personally, I'm fond of the Tank 7, the 80-Acre Wheat and the  Collaboration No. 7 - Oak-Aged Lager

What Boulevard Says About It: A perfect winter beer for curling up by the fireplace, this malt blanket features prominent toffee and caramel notes with just a hint of smoked malt. A subtle spiciness is provided by hopping with Magnum, Chinook and Styrian Goldings.

ABV: 6.3% 
IBU: 25 IBU
Glassware: Pint glass

Fun Facts: "It was the summer of 1984, and John McDonald was thirsty. On vacation in Europe, the future founder of Boulevard Brewing Company wandered into a bar specializing in Belgian beers. He tried one, then another and another, amazed by the variety, the aromas, and the flavors. He was hooked."

"It took more than a year and every bit of the money he’d raised to retrofit a building, find the equipment – including a vintage 35-barrel Bavarian brewhouse – and get everything up and running. Finally, in November 1989, the first keg of Boulevard Pale Ale was ready. John loaded it into the back of his pickup and delivered it to a restaurant just a few blocks away [from the Kansas City brewer.}]"

"In 2014, Boulevard became part of the Duvel Moortgat family, a collection of artisanal breweries dedicated to the highest expression of the brewers’ art. Boulevard remains committed to its original mission, pushing boundaries and helping to re-define American beer."

Read more.

Day 12: Anderson Valley The Kimmie, The Yink and The Holy Gose Ale

Why We Picked It: We were looking for a gose or sour to add to the mix, and this seemed like a good one. 

What Anderson Valley Says About It: With a bright, golden color and tight creamy head, the earthy wood undertones in our Gose develop into a light mineral aroma with a hint of lemon zest and tropical fruit. Before boiling, the wort is kettle soured with lactobacillus, imparting an initial refreshing tartness that gives way to a subtle fullness. Flavors of guava and peach are followed by a slight sea salt dryness and lemon sourness that is enhanced by coriander and post-fermentation additions of salt. The finish is dry, effervescent, and lemon tangy, reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze.


ABV: 5% 

IBU: 12 IBU
Glassware: Stange, Pint glass

Fun Facts: Per Anderson Vally: "Originating in the town of Goslar, Germany in the early 16th century, the Gose style (pronounced “Go-zuh”) was traditionallybrewed using salted water and 50% malted wheat and was spiced with coriander and hops.  It was fermented with both traditional yeast and lactic bacteria, giving it a slight tartness, similar to that of a Berliner Weisse.  The brewing of Gose eventually migrated to Leipzig, Germany by the turn of the 18thcentury and became the most popular style in the region by 1900, only to virtually disappear after World War II brought destruction to the breweries and hard economic times." 

Day 11: Harpoon Dunkin' Coffee Porter

Why We Picked It: Keep rolling with the porters. Plus the 2018 name branded coffee porter just needed to be tested, but I'm wondering if it goes best with a box of Munchkins.

What Harpoon Says About It: Beloved Dunkin' coffee brings robust, roasty notes to this balanced and smooth coffee porter. This porter is our tribute to all the days that Dunkin' has helped us fire up the brew kettle. 

ABV: 6% 

IBU: 15 IBU
Aroma: Espresso up front, followed by notes of dark chocolate and slight vanilla

Fun Facts: Harpoon has all sorts of recommendations on how to drink this beer. in a blog post. My favorite : "Tailgating is a marathon, not a sprint and it can certainly last all day. Dunkin Coffee Porter should be your go-to beer when you first pull up to the tailgate and everyone is sharing donuts, muffins, and bagels. The amazing coffee notes in this porter make it the perfect pairing partner for these breakfast favorites and will be a friendly reminder of your other favorite breakfast beverage."

Day 10: Flying Dog Kujo Cold Brew Coffee Porter

Why We Picked It: We went back to a favorite local brewery with Flying Dog, and also kept up a run of a porter (the second of three in a row). The cold coffee concept was pretty hard to resist.

What Flying Dog Says About It: “Enjoy your new pet!” he said. Twelve hours later, your heart is pounding with terror as you wake up to find the savage beast growling over a puddle of your neighbor’s organs. And that’s not coffee on your breath this morning, it’s fear. Sleep tight my friend. 


ABV: 6% 
IBU: 15 IBU
Coffee: Brewed with local roaster Vigilante Coffee 

Fun Facts: 

For those of you who haven't read into it, the history of Flying Dog (from the Hunter S. Thompson connection to the move to Frederick to the free speech court case), but the origin story, including the name, may be most interesting: "In 1983, George Stranahan [founder], Richard McIntyre and a crew of 10 close friends decided to climb the K2 mountain in the Himalayas, the second highest mountain peak in the world. The story goes that they had with them a suitcase of contraband, a donkey, and a Sherpa. About halfway through the trip, the contraband was depleted and their Sherpa had suffered a broken leg. Eventually, the entire crew made it back unharmed. After the trek, the group settled in the Flashman Hotel in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to have a drink. Hanging on a wall of the hotel was a painting of a flying dog made by a local Pakistani woman, Fatima Jinnah. The painting depicts a classical Chinese Fawn Pug with wings soaring across the verdant foothills of the Himalayas."

Day 9: Left Hand Death Before Disco

Why We Picked It: Did you see the name? Also, as before, we like Left Hand and this allows us two compare two different porters from the same brewery. The other was the controversial Pixan.

What Left Hand Says About It: Roasted malts create a full-bodied classic with rich chocolate malt and dark berry notes. 

ABV: 6% 
IBU: 24 IBU
Malt: Pale 2-row, row, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate, Carafa

Fun Facts: Disco Demolition Night was an ill-fated baseball promotion on July 12, 1979 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. At the climax of the event, a crate filled with discorecords was blown up on the field between games of the twi-night doubleheader between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. Many of those in attendance had come to see the explosion rather than the games and rushed onto the field after the detonation. The playing field was so damaged by the explosion and by the fans that the White Sox were required to forfeit the second game to the Tigers. ( OK, not directly about this beer, but a fun fact nonetheless.)

Day 8: Flying Dog University Night School Hazy IPA

Why We Got It: Looking to add a hazy into the mix as they are quite trendy right now now . Plus, none of us have had this one before.


What Flying Dog Has To Say About It: Not much as this is a collaboration ofosorts. According to Untappd: "If  it’s hazy, does that mean it’s unfiltered? (Most likely.) And what does New England have to do with it? (Not necessarily anything.) With a commitment to higher beer education, Flying Dog University is breaking down the trend of unfiltered IPAs right into your glass. As hops have more interaction with the yeast, which would normally be removed before filtration, you get aroma and flavor profiles that are different than your average filtered IPA."

ABV: 6.2 %
IBU: 35

Fun Fact: Flying Dog University is a thing, and you can enroll. According to Flying Dog, "Geek out on an in-depth look at the brewing process, fermentation, yeast management, quality control and packaging that will end with a tasting of new releases, pilot batches and vintage beers."

Day 7: Flying Fish Daylight Savings IPA

Why We Chose It: While we are IPA lovers, we know not everyone is. However, a session IPA can be a nice bridge for those dreading the hoppiness and bitterness. We've also including Flying Fish several times over the years.

What Flying Fish Says About It: This refreshing session IPA starts with a base Pilsner and Vienna Malt and then showcases the multiple additions of Warrior, Azacca and Citra hops, yielding tropical aromatics with hints of mango and grapefruit. Low in alcohol, BIG in flavor.


ABV: 4.9
IBU: 50
Food Pairings: Anything at the Ball Park, Crab Fries, Dollar Dogs

Fun Facts: Flying Fish Brewing Company is located in Somerdale, New Jersey. In a state that once boasted 50 breweries, it is the first microbrewery in Southern New Jersey and the first new brewery built in that part of the state in more than half a century. From its opening in late 1996, Flying Fish has tripled its capacity and become the largest of the approximately 45 craft breweries in the state.

Day 6: Red Shedman Honey Rye

Why We Chose It: I have spent the day at the Red Shedman Brewery & Hop Farm /  Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy and had a fantastic day. I highly recommend, and thought this would be a good intro beer for those unfamiliar. Also, have I mentioned my fondness for rye beers yet... although the honey part makes me nervous.

What Red Shedman Says About It: Take your senses to their happy place. Pale, Munich and Rye malts create a beautiful golden color with a touch of spice. Additions of pure honey create a sweet floral aroma.

ABV: 5.8 
IBU: 18

Fun Facts: Red Shedman Farm Brewery & Hop Yard is located among the rolling hills of Mt. Airy, on over 200 acres of farmland, between Frederick and Baltimore, Maryland. The farm cultivates several varieties of hops including Cascade, Columbus, Chinook, Nugget and Crystal. There's also an odd story to the odd name here: http://redshedman.com/story-of-red-shedman/