Quarter 4 Troegs Mad Elf vs. New Glarus Enigma

This is it, its go big or go home. Time to put up or shut-up. Wisconsin comes into the quarter holding four fingers high....maybe this is when they shine and take the lead back to win the game. Although Pennsylvania has dominated almost the entire game, very consistent the entire way through. Who is going to take home the LomBEERdi Trophy?

Troegs Mad Elf vs. New Glarus Enigma

Eduardo: An intruiging 4th quarter matchup. This was not a style for style matchup. It was more of a wild card match up between two limited/seasonal release craft beer darlings. New Glarus is only available in Wisconsin but popular with beer geeks outside that state that trade for their beer. Troegs is a rising star in the craft beer world. They are distributed now in eight states and Washington DC. During the holidays I had several customers at my Ft; Lauderdale store ask for Mad Elf which impressed me. I have been looking forward to trying this beer.

The Ferm: Ohhh no thats right the big boys have come out to play in the forth quarter. Mad Elf vs Enigma. While these beers are not the same style per say, they are both brewed with cherries and are seasonal/one time releases. I personally have had both, but not back to back. I think Enigma takes a strong lead and locks up this match for Wisconsin. Mad Elf doesn't stand a chance....or does it?!

About the Beers

Mad Elf- Pours ruby red color with high clarity. Not a lot of carbonation. Wow, just straight up honey & cherries. They are playing so well together! Consistent flavors from start to finish. We both would like to see more takes from other breweries on this. The ingredients worked so well together. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on one of these. It’s pretty much gone from stores so you may have to wait till next holiday season.

Enigma- Limited release from the Unplugged Series. Pours a similar color but with some haziness. It gets off to a nice start with sour cherries in your face and some oak hiding in the background. Again a disappointing finish. We both are usually more impressed with New Glarus. This had promise but in the end didn’t deliver. (note: I (Ferm) remember this beer as a completely different animal, this bottle just fell flat on the tail-end).

Quarter Synopsis

The Wisconsin defense really steps up at the beginning of the 4th quarter and returns an errant Pennsylvania pass for a touchdown bringing the score to 20-19. Pennsylvania then scores two touchdowns to close out the game at 34-19. Congrats to Pennsylvania on your Super Bowl win! Raise the LomBEERdi Trophy high with pride!

Game MVP: definitely goes to Mad Elf. This beer was the best all around beer of the tasting. Tons of flavor on the attack and back-end of the palate. Damn fine beer.

Once again thank you to Eduardo for a fun week. I hope you all enjoyed it! Have fun during the Super Bowl and drink a good craft beer from your favorite city.

Quarter 1: Iron City Light vs. Pabst Blue Ribbon

These were the beers in the “game” that would be the most closely associated with their respective teams. Many Steelers fans will be checking their favorite store or bar for Iron City for the Big Game.  But what is more recognizable than the old can of PBR?

Both beers are lagers and are probably two of the more commercially well known beers that will be in the game.

Eduardo: IC Light is Super clear, cereal on the nose. No obvious defects. Decent carbonation. Basically this is slightly sweet cereal flavored water with food coloring. I can see why fans would reach for this to knock back a few during a game.

The Ferm: PBR....This is a tailgating staple for me. Listen I know it isn't fair because PBR isn't a light beer, but this beer smacks IC Light in the mouth, spits on it, and then runs over it. There is so much more flavor to PBR. Also have you ever seen a can of IC Light sell for a ton of money over in China? Nope, didn't think so!

Quarter Synopsis: Wisconsin (Pabst) takes an early lead at the end of the first quarter. Both teams kick field goals. Wisconsin scores a safety at the end of the quarter. Overall a defensive battle so far.

End of the 1st: Wisconsin 5-3
Total Game: Wisconsin 5-3

Super Bowl Beer Week Wisconsin vs Pennsylvania

It is Super Bowl Week!

So this week Eduardo and I decided to do a Super Bowl Battle of Beers. Wisconsin vs Pennsylvania. Battle of the states to see who holds the best beers available.

The week will consist of 4 Quarters (8 total beers). Each quarter will showcase a beer from each of the states in the battle, and will be scored individually. At the end of each quarter we will give you the score of the game as well. At the end of the week we will decide on a "MVP" and present the trophy to the winning state.

Here are the "players"

1. Iron City PA vs. Pabst WI
2. Yuengling Lager PA vs. Leinies Amber WI
3. Victory Golden Monkey PA vs. Sprecher Abbey Trippel WI
4. Troegs Mad Elf  PA vs. New Glarus Enigma WI

Eduardo: Pennslyvania and Wisconsin are definitely two important states in the brewing world. Pennsylvania has some world class craft brewers and a great beer scene especially around Philadelphia. Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers, is known for the Iron City brews. Wisconsin is know for Miller Park, brewing big boys Miller and Pabst, and craft beer darling New Glarus. I predict Pennsylvania has too much firepower and blows out Wisconsin in the Super Bowl of beer. Follow along as we find out who will win the Super Bowl and you might even find your Super Bowl beer.Enjoy the game!

The Ferm: Well my take on the Super Bowl of Beers 2011 is that Pennsylvania will CRUSH Wisconsin. Seriously, PA has been brewing beer for a LONGGGG Time. They have some good staples, but if Wisconsin stands a chance they will need some big time performances from their players, some trick-ery, and maybe even something shocking. My estimate of the final score is 45-9 with PA. holding the Lombeerdi Trophy up at the end of the week.