Bourbon Barrel Aged Mad Elf
Tröegs Brewing Company
- From:
- Tröegs Brewing Company
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Style:
- Belgian Dark Strong Ale
- ABV:
- 13.1%
- Score:
- +2 ratings needed
- Avg:
- 4.24 | pDev: 6.37%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 5
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Feb 25, 2026
- Added:
- Dec 10, 2022
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
NO SCORE
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In the spirit of mischievous fun that led to the very first batch of Mad Elf, we’ve put a delicious twist on this holiday favorite: bourbon barrels. Inside this bottle, Mad Elf’s notes of cherries, honey, chocolate malt and subtle spices are joined by hints of vanilla and toasted coconut. Pop one open now, and be sure to save a few for a snowy day.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Reviewed by XsoldoutX from Pennsylvania
4.11/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.11/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
If you enjoy Mad Elf, you owe it to yourself to give this jawn a try. Perhaps more notes of raisin on the tongue than I was expecting (?), but this is no hindrance to the sweet allure of honey and cherry.
Behold, a new entry into the rotation for my least favorite season! If only I had enjoyed this sooner this winter.
Feb 25, 2026Behold, a new entry into the rotation for my least favorite season! If only I had enjoyed this sooner this winter.
Reviewed by MikeWard from Pennsylvania
3.85/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.85/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
12.7oz corked and caged bottle into a goblet. No year of release.
Reddish brown body, head immediately fizzes away, no lacing. Aroma of bourbon. On tasting, sweet cherry followed by strong bourbon warmth lasting well into the finish
Overall, admittedly I am not big fan of Mad Elf, much preferring the Grand Cru. The bourbon is a bit heavy for my taste.
Jun 29, 2025Reddish brown body, head immediately fizzes away, no lacing. Aroma of bourbon. On tasting, sweet cherry followed by strong bourbon warmth lasting well into the finish
Overall, admittedly I am not big fan of Mad Elf, much preferring the Grand Cru. The bourbon is a bit heavy for my taste.
Reviewed by edthehead from Maryland
4.25/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Been years since I had the non-barrel version, which I wasn’t all that fond of, but I really liked this one. Mild barrel notes, cherry pie filling, roasty malt, moderate body, mild carbonation.
Nov 30, 2024
Reviewed by sulldaddy from Connecticut
4.33/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.33/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Sampling a 375 ml bottle that is corked and caged. I purchased at the brewery last Christmas time. So its been in my cellar for about 11 months. the beer pours into my trusty snifter a rich mahogany color with garnet highlights. A minimal khaki colored head foams up about .5 cm and fades to a sturdy edge layer and one large island in the center of my glass.
Aroma is a lot of cherry notes and some sweet bourbon hits too. Not really boozy on the nose and no hop character to speak of on this beer. Smells like what I would expect knowing the base beer.
First sip reveals a lighter body than expected and very fine and tingly carbonation. Texture is smooth and the beer drinks surprisingly easy.
Flavor is some sweet cherry notes, a bit of toffee and then some bourbon notes coming over. generally a sweet beer but not candy like. Never any hop flavors on the beer and not boozy either even with the higher ABV.
the beer is good and hits the notes I expected for this beer. Im glad to have tried this one and I would definitely buy it again if I see it this Christmas at the brewery. Worth a purchase.
Nov 18, 2024Aroma is a lot of cherry notes and some sweet bourbon hits too. Not really boozy on the nose and no hop character to speak of on this beer. Smells like what I would expect knowing the base beer.
First sip reveals a lighter body than expected and very fine and tingly carbonation. Texture is smooth and the beer drinks surprisingly easy.
Flavor is some sweet cherry notes, a bit of toffee and then some bourbon notes coming over. generally a sweet beer but not candy like. Never any hop flavors on the beer and not boozy either even with the higher ABV.
the beer is good and hits the notes I expected for this beer. Im glad to have tried this one and I would definitely buy it again if I see it this Christmas at the brewery. Worth a purchase.
Reviewed by Spade from Pennsylvania
4.05/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
4.05/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
An interesting variation on Mad Elf. The bourbon is noticeable but not dominant. Cherries are very prominent. The mouthfeel is a bit thin; gives the impression of Mad Elf Grand Cru blended with champagne.
Dec 25, 2022
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