Bucking the trend of darker malts and traditional spices, they introduced The Mad Elf, a Christmas beer infused with the delightful combination of sweet and sour cherries. The initial attempt proved almost too successful, as the vigorous fermentation caused the beer to climb out of the tank, leaving an intoxicating aroma of cherries and yeast in its wake.
Fast forward to today, and The Mad Elf stands proudly among the plethora of Christmas beers adorning store shelves during this festive season. Defined not by a specific style but by the ceremonial spirit of the holidays, Christmas beers are a canvas for brewers’ creativity. Darker and maltier, often barrel-aged, with a higher alcohol content, these beers aim to evoke a sense of warmth and festivity.
According to John Trogner, “Holiday and Christmas ales leave it open to interpretation. As brewers, this is where we get to be creative.” The magic lies in the spices and flavorings, ranging from peppermint and gingerbread cookies to evergreen and an array of seasonal spices like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and vanilla.
Notably, the tradition of Christmas beers dates back centuries, tracing its roots to the Vikings and their winter celebrations known as “Jul.” As winter provided ideal brewing conditions, with cold temperatures favoring yeast fermentation, Christmas beers evolved into a cherished tradition across the U.S. and Europe.
While the Christmas beer season typically spans from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the challenge for brewers is timing. Dan Becker, known as Danny Fullpint, explains, “The challenge with all seasonals, but especially Christmas seasonals, is that after Dec. 31, nobody’s going to the store to buy them.”Despite this, many Christmas beers age gracefully, with enthusiasts saving them for comparison tastings over the years. John Trogner notes that The Mad Elf’s flavors change with age, with raisin notes becoming more pronounced and cherry flavors waxing and waning.As we embrace the holiday spirit, Christmas beers offer a unique and flavorful way to celebrate the season. From malty favorites like Great Lakes Christmas Ale to the spiced richness of Prairie Christmas Bomb!, each brew adds its own touch to the festive tradition. So, as the season unfolds, savor the creativity and craftsmanship behind each Christmas beer, raising a glass to the joyous spirit that brewers have bottled for centuries.
“We could smell this incredible aroma of cherries and yeast,” John Trogner remembered. “The yeast had fermented so vigorously that the beer had climbed out of the tank. It smelled great, but we lost half the batch.”
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