We haven’t decided which pumpkin beer we like best or even if we like pumpkin beers anymore. We’re still sampling Oktoberfests and looking forward to maibocks doppelbocks in the coming weeks. But now comes word that Troegs has totally jumped the gun and is already shipping its Mad Elf Ale.

22 ounce bottles left Harrisburg on the 1st with 12 ounce bottles shipping on Monday. Kegs won’t ship till a more seasonable December 1st, so we still have time to sample fall’s finest on tap.

Troegs [Official Site]

The Blockley has gotten its hands on a keg of Mad Elf and is tapping it at 8pm. And if that isn’t mad enough, they’re offering the potent Troegs beer for just $2 a PINT.

Luckily the dry-aged burger, usually $10 is being offered as a two for one special. It’s essential to establish a solid base before wrestling a Mad Elf.

The Blockley [Official Site]

The Great American Beer Festival is the biggest brewing industry event in the United States and each year it closes out with a medal ceremony. And of course many local breweries were rightfully honored.

17 local beers won a medal including 7 Golds, among the gold winners were Flying Fish’s Exit 4 and Troegs Troegenator. Troegs and Dogfish Head each completed the trifecta, winning a Gold, Silver and Bronze.

See the complete list after the jump.

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We’ve got so many Quick Bites today we’re breaking them in half. Here’s part 1. 

Stephen Starr will not be purchasing the Broad Street Diner. This makes us sad. [The Insider]

Shank’s & Evelyn’s is closing at the end of April. This also makes us sad. Their new location might be 15th Street in Center City. This makes us happy. [The Insider]

How many unique kegs did Memphis Taproom go through during its No Repeat Beer Week? 128! That’s a lot of different beer. 

The Washington Post’s Beer Madness has Troegs Hopback facing off against Ommegang Hennepin (Official Foobooz house beer of Summer ‘07) in the finals. Harrisburg’s finest is trailing  but it looks like votes are still being accepted. [Washington Post]

It certainly isn’t Morimoto at the ballpark but it’s worth noting that Campo’s is the new cheesesteak vendor on Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park. [The Insider]

We had that Craig LaBan was nominated for a James Beard Award Monday but not  for what he was nominated. It was this story about John’s Roast Pork owner John Bucci Jr. that got him the nomination. [James Beard Foundation]

Tony Luke Jr. has a starring role in The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone whic is premiering tomorrow as part of Cinefest ‘09. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

If you’re the type of person that goes mad for Tröegs Nugget Nectar then you’ll be mad for Mad Mex. Starting tomorrow you’ll be able to get 22oz drafts of Nugget Nectar and Amber Ale for just $5.

The special price only lasts until the kegs are kicked.

Mad Mex [Official Site]
Tröegs [Official Site]

In just four short weeks, Philly Beer Week–the most blessed 10 days in the life of Philadelphia beer drinkers–will start up its engines.

If you’re like us, you’ve been poring over the burgeoning beer week calendar, cross-referencing, calculating and wondering how you can be in two places drinking two different beers at once.

Until we solve that quantum physics challenge, we’ll be featuring a daily pick from the beerlicious list of events, starting today! Read the rest of this entry »

Tom Ferrick samples some winter beers and doesn’t have nice things to say about one of the area’s most anticipated brews, Mad Elf by Troegs.

This dark brew sounds delicious. The label calls it an “ale brewed with honey and cherries.” But it tasted syrupy sweet and medicinal.

Dark beers to brighten the winter months [Philadelphia Inquirer]

During happy hour at *smiths (why do people feel a need to get all cute with their name?) every glass of wine on their list is $5 for a 6-ounce pour. Also get a pint of Yuengling for $2 or $1 off any of the other 10 beers on tap including one of our favorites, Troegs Rugged Trail Brown Ale. Or hit up a $4 martini.

Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 5 to 7 PM.

*smiths [Official Site]
*smiths Happy Hour Menu (PDF) [Official Site]

Pennsylvania has a great brewing tradition that continues today and this past weekend it was acknowledged at The Great American Beer Festival in Denver Colorado. Phoenixville’s Sly Fox Brewing was awarded a gold medal for Pikeland Pils and a bronze for their Instigator Bock. Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Co. picked up a gold medal for their seasonal Festbier and silver for their Prima Pils. Harrisburg’s Tröegs is enjoying the shine of gold for their Troegenator.

Local brew pubs also brought home some hardware with the McKenzie Brew House getting a gold and bronze medal. Rock Bottom King of Prussia received a gold for its Broad Street Barleywine and Iron Hill Media took home a bronze for its Kriek de Hill, a Belgian style sour beer.

Great American Beer Festival [Official Site]
2007 Medal Winners [Official Site]

Tröegs is celebrating its 10th anniversary Saturdy, October 27th at the brewery in Harrisburg. There will be of course be lots of Tröegs beer as well as food and music. Doors open at 11:30 AM and it’s sure to be a worthy road trip.

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