2025--BEER #13: Chocolate Elf (Troegs Independent Brewing)

12/13/2025

Thank you Trent for beer number 13 this Christmas advent season. Chocolate Elf is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale from Troegs Brewing Company. With a flavor profile combining notes of cacao, sweet cream, and cherries, mixed with a hint of that holiday spice, this 8.7% dessert in glass is sure to be enjoyed with other friendly elves. Chocolate Elf was originally an "in house blend" by mixing a Nitro Chocolate Stout and Mad Elf. After the Nitro Chocolate Stout was discontinued, Troegs released Grand Cacao, a chocolate milk stout. Guests were then able to create the "in house blend" of Grand Cacao and Mad Elf. This is the first year of the true blend, Chocolate Elf, that is canned for home enjoyment or on draught at the brewery.

Troegs Brewing Company was founded in 1997 by brothers, John and Chris Trogner in Harrisburg, PA. They are now currently located in Hershey, PA since 2011. The name Troegs was created by combining their last name and the word kroeg, which is the Flemish word for pub.

Photo Credit: Jeff

Photo Credit: Jason, Becca, Chris, Trent, and Tyler

Photo Credit: John, Trent, and Tyler

Photo Credit: Wayne and Heather

Photo Credit: Ron and Margie

9 Comments

Jeff

12/13/2025 07:19:33 pm

Ho, Ho, Ho, I am so glad troegs is from Pa, which means Pa rules again. Chocolate Elf is great blend and I can definitely taste the cherries in this beer. Well, Trent and Melissa have both done a great job in picking beers this Christmas season. I love the can art too, keeps to the Christmas theme. I will give this beer 4.5 mugs.

Margie and Ron

12/13/2025 08:58:25 pm

Thankful to spend today with my sister and brother-in-law. Ron has been a Troegs fan since they opened up the brewery on Paxton and Cameron Street in the late 90’s. Still wish they brewed ESB, Pale Ale and Hop Back as year-round beers in addition to Troegenator. I remember my first Troegs scratch beer was 12 or 13 series, racing to get to the taproom before doors closed at 5pm. I remember when they came to Hershey and draft pours were $3. I remember mixing Java Head with Mad Elf for a stout blend. My first blend was Flying Mouflan with Perpetual. Anyways, back to the purpose of Chocolate Elf review. We give it 3.5 mugs.

T. Bake

12/14/2025 10:09:59 am

Love the chocolate elf beer from Troegs! After years of blending it myself at home and ordering at Troegs, I was thrilled that they started to can this delicious blend! I am thankful that I got to spend the day tailgating and watching the Army-Navy game in Baltimore! It was a day to remember! Thank you Mark for the invite, a truly fun filled, blessed day! Cheers all! 🍻 I give this 4.75 mugs!

Char

12/14/2025 02:57:50 pm

I also visited the original Troegs in Harrisburg and was so happy they came to Hershey! We are truly regulars there!😁🍻 My go to holiday beer at Troegs is the mad elf grande cru, but after having this chocolate elf it could be a new favorite! I give it a 4.5 mugs! And of course the can is awesome too!

Nick Morder

12/14/2025 10:05:56 pm

I love mad elf and absolutely loved this one. Can taste the cherries and chocolate which makes it the best! 4.3 on the mug scale. One of my seasonal favorites and delivers everytime!

Poppa bearded Bake

12/15/2025 10:07:44 pm

First Chocolate Elf ever, smooth, I was expecting to be hit by big spice, and my taste buds get smacked by chocolate! Can art is unique for Troegs, but fits the beer! 4.3 mugs for this fine beer!

Trent

12/16/2025 10:13:10 pm

An absolute go to favorite of mine each year! Smooth chocolate helps balance out the cherry tartness! 4.5 mugs from me!

Nick Filingeri

12/17/2025 06:50:18 pm

I’m not crazy about Mad Elf but still have one each season. The chocolate addition makes this beer far more enjoyable in my opinion. Probably giving an additional .25 bonus for being a Tröegs beer.

4🍺

Caleb and Maria

12/20/2025 08:15:49 pm

When I saw this beer in my fridge, it was one of the ones I was most excited to try! I love Mad Elf and I love Chocolate. What more could I ask for in a beer? Plus, the can looked beautiful with one of my favorite new book releases. I’d give this 4.5🍺 and Caleb gave it 3.5 🍺.

2025--BEER #13: Chocolate Elf (Troegs Independent Brewing)

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