Troegs Brewing Company By: Rick Perrotta II

Simply put, Troegs Brewing Company has become a Pennsylvania institution as far as craft beer drinkers are concerned. The story of the the Trogner brothers, Chris and John – one brewing in Philly, one in Colorado, eventually deciding to bring their brewing skills to Harrisburg – is well known. Over the years, Troegs has gone from a few thousand barrels to 50,000, while receiving acclaim along each step of the way. A quick look at their Wikipedia page will reveal a list of awards too long to mention, including silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival for the Sunshine Pils, Nugget Nectar, HopBack, and Dead Reckoning, to go along with several gold’s in the bock category for the renowned Troegenator. However, the crown jewel may have been being named GABF’s 2012 Mid-Size Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year.

Nightwire magazine was fortunate enough to speak with Troegs Brewery Representative Mike Watters. During our interview Mike asked to be called “Mike” as opposed to Mr. Watters, a request we will honor here as well. According to Mike, 2014 looks to be another exciting one in the history of Troegs Brewing Company. The major news is that the brewery will begin distributing some of their higher profile beers in cans and will be releasing 3 brand new kinds of beers in what they are calling the “Hop Cycle” series.

First, the decision to distribute in cans. Mike says, “We’re always trying to continue our evolution as a brewery, and it’s another way to for us to reach customers.” It is likely apparent to most craft beer enthusiasts that cans are becoming more and more popular, the trend beginning with Oskar Blues in Colorado and reaching as far as North Country Brewing Company in Slippery Rock. However, there is more to it than that. There are certain popular beer drinking locations where glass bottles are either prohibited or discouraged, one being concerts, another being beaches. This move will help give beer drinkers options beyond the typical domestic beers.

The first of Troegs’ beers to get this treatment are already on the market. The aforementioned Troegenator Doublebock can be purchased in four packs of 16oz cans. The also popular Perpetual IPA will be available in 12 packs of 12oz cans. And in April, Troegs will be distributing the Sunshine Pils in 12 packs of 12oz cans.

As for the “Hop Cycle” series, it is “inspired by the cyclical nature of the four seasons.” Mike tells me the first will be launched in the spring. It is a Helles Bock named the Cultivator. Mike says spring is traditionally the time for bock beers – when Monks would fast during lent, they would cease eating but continue drinking this thick, hearty style of beer, which the monks would of course make themselves. The Sunshine Pils will represent summer. The next will be a new fall seasonal, a harvest red IPA called the Hop Knife. The third, The Blizzard of Hops, will be released in the winter.
Along with these announcements there is more news. The Nugget Nectar and the Mad Elf can will be shedding their seasonal tags, though they will still be brewed at their normal times, spring and winter respectively. I asked Mike about the unique taste of the Nugget Nectar and he credited it to “copious amounts of dry hopping.” There are other new products on the way. Troegs is releasing two separate brews, the La Grave, an effervescent bottle-conditioned triple, and the Jovial, a Chocolate Raspberry Imperial Stout, “corked and caged.” This means they will be corked like champagne in smaller 375ml bottles.

If you are one of the few yet to experience what Troeg’s has to offer, 2014 is a perfect time to get on board. You can also feel good knowing that you are supporting wonderful, down to Earth people as their local success story continues. For more information, please visit www.troegs.com.

Troegs is proudly distributed in Pittsburgh by Vecenie Distributing.

The New Troegs Beers:

Blizzard of Hops
As winter slowly creeps in Blizzard of Hops confirms a successful harvest and the end of the hop cycle. Enjoy the fruits of our labor with this revitalizing Winter White IPA. (Available winter 2014)

Cultivator, 6.9% abv
Emerging from springtime’s fertile ground, Cultivator celebrates the start of hop growing season. This spring bock delivers hints of toasted grains, fresh baked bread and delicate floral hops. Hop fans can rejoice knowing sunlight sustains the soil, allowing precious hop cones to grow and flourish. ( Available Now)

Hop Knife
With Hop Knife, we recognize the meticulous, time-honored tradition of hand-harvesting hops at the peak of maturity. This harvest ale utilizes our hopback vessel and dry-hopping to release a bounty of intense hop flavor across the palate. (Available Fall 2014)
Jovial, 10.0% abv
Jovial is an enticing Imperial Stout fermented with Belgian yeast and brewed with dark chocolate and tart raspberry. Brimming with optimism, Jovial reveals its enduring charm and infinite merriment with each passing sip. This beer is highly carbonated: Hold chalice and pour into center of the glass to release the yeast’s complex character. (Available TBA)

La Grave, 8.0% abv
LaGrave (pronounced \le-gräv\), the first of our corked and caged bottle releases, is inspired by nature’s untamed beauty. Bottle conditioned and highly carbonated, this Triple Golden Ale is steeped in the tradition of strong ales originally brewed in Belgium. The unique Belgian yeast, which is fermented at a slightly higher temperature than normal, forms the bedrock of LaGrave’s complex flavors. Strong and alluring, LaGrave boasts a sweet, fruity flavor with a well-rounded mouthfeel and semi-dry, lingering bitter finish. (Available Now)