Tröegs
Tröegs is an American brewery located on Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania. John and Chris Trogner founded the company in 1996. Tröegs is a craft-brewery, or microbrewery focusing their production on specialty and seasonal beers. Tröegs also is a limited distribution brewery, only distributing beer to states within proximity to maintain beer freshness.
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| Location | Hershey, Pennsylvania; (40°17.832′N 76°38.5812′W) | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Opened | 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Annual production volume | 89,000 US beer barrels (104,000 hL) in 2016.[1] | ||||||||||||||||||
| Owned by | John Trogner and Chris Trogner | ||||||||||||||||||
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History
Tröegs was founded in 1996 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by brothers John and Chris Trogner. The name Tröegs is a combination of a nickname derived from the surname Trogner and the Dutch word kroeg ("pub"). The brewery was originally located at 800 Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Their first keg was sold to a Harrisburg restaurant in July, 1997.
Tröegs began construction of their new brewery in 2010 and moved from Harrisburg to Hershey in Fall 2011. Grand opening celebrations were held during November of that year. At approximately 90,000 square feet (8,400 m2) the new brewery is about three times the size of the original facility and includes a tap house (tasting room) with a full view of the brewhouse. The tap house bar serves most beer by the glass, although a select few, including "corked-and-caged" beers, are sold by the bottle. Most of Tröegs' beers are available "to go"—as 4-packs, 6-packs, cases, growlers, and, most recently, as "crowlers" (32-US-fluid-ounce (950 ml) aluminum cans filled from a tap and then sealed; a portmanteau of "can" and "growler"). However, a few bottled beers have been available for consumption only in the tap room. The tap room also features an upscale "snack bar."
Every year, Tröegs is one of the sponsors of Harrisburg Beer Week with proceeds benefiting the Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services. Held every year, it's a 10-day, multi-venue series showcasing breweries, restaurants, pubs and more through craft beer-centric events, demonstrations, and education throughout the greater Harrisburg area.[2]
Self-guided tours are available daily during regular business hours. Guided tasting tours are also available by appointment.
In 2012, Tröegs produced 44,000 US beer barrels (52,000 hl);[3] by 2016, the volume had more than doubled to 89,000 US beer barrels (104,000 hl).[1]
Beers
Tröegs currently has sixteen beers in regular production. These are split between year-round and seasonal offerings. Seasonal beers are further split between "once a year" and "hop cycle," the latter being an annual rotation of hoppy beers.[4]
| Name | Style | Production | ABV | IBUs | Color[5] | Malts | Hops | Yeast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blizzard Of Hops | Winter IPA | Hop Cycle: November–January | 6.4% | 80 | 6 | Pilsner, Unmalted Wheat, White Wheat | Centennial, Chinook, El Dorado | Ale | |
| Cultivator | Helles Bock | Hop Cycle: February–April | 6.9% | 25 | 4 | Floor Malted Bohemian Pilsner | Hersbrucker, Magnum | Lager | |
| DreamWeaver | Wheat Ale | Year Round | 4.8% | 15 | 4 | Pilsner, Vienna | German Northern Brewer | German Wheat | 55% Wheat |
| Hop Knife | American IPA | Hop Cycle: August–October | 6.2% | 87 | 15 | Crystal, Pilsner, Vienna | Cascade, Chinook, El Dorado | Ale | Strong hop flavor, mixed with a sharp kick. |
| HopBack | Amber Ale | Year Round | 6.0% | 55 | 15 | Pilsner, Munich, Crystal | Cascade, Willamette, Nugget, Crystal | Ale | A hopback is a vessel through which beer passes en route from the brew kettle on the hot side of the brewery to the fermenter on the cold side |
| JavaHead | Stout | Year Round | 7.5% | 55 | 40 | Pilsner, Crystal, Chocolate, Roast | Cluster, Chinook, Cascade | Ale | contains oats and a blend of roasted espresso and Kenyan coffee beans |
| LaGrave | Triple golden ale | Year Round | 8.0% | 31 | 6 | Pilsner | German Northern Brewer | Abbey ale | contains cane sugar. Tröegs' first corked-and-caged release |
| Jovial | Belgian Dubbel Ale | Year Round | 7.0% | 13 | 24.5 | Abbey, Chocolate, Munich, Pilsner | Crystal, Magnum | Abbey Ale | Notes of dark stone fruit, toffee, chocolate and molasses; a "cork and cage" beer |
| Wild Elf | Ale | October release | 11.0% | 15 | 14 | Pilsner, Munich, Chocolate | Saaz, Hallertau | Spicy Belgian | contains honey, sweet and sour cherries |
| Master of Pumpkins | Pumpkin Ale | September release | 7.5% | 30 | 24.5 | Pilsner, Munich, Special B | German northern brewer | French saison | brewed with locally grown neck pumpkins; a "cork and cage" beer |
| Nimble Giant | Double IPA | June release | 9% | 69 | 15 | Azacca, mosaic, simcoe | Nimble Giant has been produced in 16-ounce cans, as well as 101 ounce bottles, similar to a jeroboam or double magnum champagne bottle | ||
| Nugget Nectar | Ale | January release | 7.5% | 93 | 9 | Pilsner, Vienna, Munich | Nugget, Warrior, Tomahawk, Simcoe, Palisade | Ale | |
| Perpetual | IPA | Year Round | 7.5% | 85 | 6 | Pilsner, Crystal, Munich | Bravo, Chinook, Mt. Hood, Nugget, Citra, Cascade | Ale | sold in cans, as well as glass bottles and kegs |
| Solid Sender | American Pale Ale | Year Round | 5.2% | 45 | 16 | Crystal, Munich, Pilsner | Cascade, Mosaic | Ale | |
| Sunshine Pils | Pils | Hop Cycle: April - July | 4.5% | 45 | 2 | Pilsner, Crystal | Saaz, Hallertau Mitt. | Lager | |
| Troegenator | Double Bock | Year Round | 8.2% | 25 | 18 | Pilsner, Munich, Chocolate | Magnum, German Northern Brewer | Lager | Sold in cans, as well as glass bottles and kegs; unlike the brewery itself, it is spelled without an umlaut over the 'o' |
Discontinued beers
Several beers, once in regular production, have been discontinued, or are offered only intermittently.
| Name | Style | Production | ABV | IBUs | Color | Malts | Hops | Yeast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Reckoning | Porter | August - September | 5.8% | 53 | 30 | Pilsner, Caramel, Roast, Black | Vanguard, Chinook | Ale | |
| Flying Mouflan | Barleywine | April | 9.3% | 100 | 24 | Euro Pils, Vienna, Munich, Dark Crystal | Warrior, Chinook, Simcoe, Whole leaf Nugget | Ale | Included cane sugar. Introduced as Scratch #4 in 2007. |
| Pale Ale | Pale Ale | Year Round | 5.4% | 45 | 9 | Pilsner, Munich, Crystal | Amarillo, Cascade | Ale | Retired in 2015 and replaced with Solid Sender Ale |
"Scratch" beers
Tröegs also produces "Scratch" beers, an experimental series focusing on new techniques and non-traditional ingredients. These are available on a limited basis (often for only a few days or weeks) and have included weizenbocks, lagers, and barleywines, as well as barrel-aged beers. As of November 2020, over 425 beers have been offered as part of the Scratch Beer series. Several later entered regular production.[6]
Canned beers
In late 2013 Tröegs began limited production of canned beers. Previously, Tröegs had only distributed its beer in kegs and glass bottles. As of December 2013, Perpetual IPA and Troegenator Double Bock have been made available in cans (12-ounce and 16-ounce cans, respectively).
Cork and caged beers
In fall 2013 Tröegs introduced its first cork and caged beers. As of August 2016 at least four cork and caged beers have been produced: LaGrave, a Triple Golden Ale; Master of Pumpkins, made with saison yeast and roasted pumpkin; Jovial, a Belgian Dubbel Ale; and Wild Elf, a barrel-aged version of the seasonal Mad Elf. LaGrave and Jovial are part of a year-round production, while Master of Pumpkins is seasonal.[7] Wild Elf, introduced in the summer of 2016, is also the first offering from the Splinter Cellar project
"Splinter" beers
The "Splinter" series of beers are barrel-aged and (prior to completion of the Splinter Cellar) were produced on a very limited basis.
In mid-2016 Tröegs completed its Splinter Cellar expansion, an addition on the northeast side of the facility. This contains three 20-foot tall wooden fermenters ("foeders") imported from Italy. The addition features a glass exterior, allowing a full view of the foeders from the outside. These have dramatically increased the brewery's capacity to produce wood aged beers. The addition also includes an art gallery and a new entrance for guided tours. As of August 2016, expansion of the outdoor "beer garden" is underway, and parking lot improvements are under consideration. Working on this project are Dave Maule Architects and Pyramid Construction, who were both involved in the Hershey build four years ago.[8]
New artwork
In late 2015, Tröegs revealed new artwork which would be featured on their beers and packaging. Chris and John Trogner collaborated with Philadelphia-based designer Lindsey Tweed to come up with the fresh new look. Along with the new artwork came a redesigned website and brand new merchandise.[9]
Awards
| Year | Award | Presented by | Category[10] | Winning beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival[11] | --- | Troegenator |
| 2006 | Bronze medal | World Beer Cup[12] | --- | Troegenator |
| 2006 | Best local beer | Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly[13] | --- | HopBack |
| 2007 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[14] | Bock | Troegenator |
| 2008 | Bronze medal | World Beer Cup[15] | German Style Pils | Sunshine Pils |
| 2008 | Bronze medal | Great American Beer Festival[16] | Barleywine | Flying Mouflan |
| 2008 | Bronze medal | Great American Beer Festival | American Stout | Dead Reckoning |
| 2008 | Rated #1 | Joe Sixpack's Christmas Beer: The Cheeriest, Tastiest, and Most Unusual Holiday Brews[17] | Christmas beer | Mad Elf |
| 2009 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[18] | Bock Category | Troegenator |
| 2009 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival | American Stout | Dead Reckoning |
| 2009 | Bronze medal | Great American Beer Festival | German style Pilsner | Sunshine Pils |
| 2009 | 1st place | Washington Post's Beer Madness[19] | --- | HopBack |
| 2010 | Gold medal | World Beer Cup[20] | German style Bock | Troegenator |
| 2010 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[21] | Barleywine | Flying Mouflan |
| 2010 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival | American Red Ale | HopBack |
| 2010 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival | Bock Category | Troegenator |
| 2010 | Round one winner | Washington Post's Beer Madness | --- | HopBack |
| 2011 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[22] | Bock Category | Troegenator |
| 2011 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival | German-Style Pilsener | Sunshine Pils |
| 2011 | Silver medal | Great American Beer Festival | --- | Sunshine Pils |
| 2011 | The Fifty Best Beers | The Fifty Best[23] | --- | Nugget Nectar |
| 2012 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[24] | German-Style Pilsener | Sunshine Pils |
| 2012 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival | American-style Amber/Red Ale - | HopBack |
| 2012 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival | South German-Style Hefeweizen | DreamWeaver |
| 2012 | Bronze medal | World Beer Cup[25] | German style Bock | Troegenator |
| 2012 | Mid-Size Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year | Great American Beer Festival | --- | [26] |
| 2012 | 1st Place | 18th Annual United States Beer Tasting Championship (Mid-Atlantic/Southern Region)[27] | Amber/Red Ale | HopBack |
| 2013 | Best Lager | Best of the Philly Beer Scene[28] | Lager | Sunshine Pils |
| 2013 | Best Wheat Beer | Best of the Philly Beer Scene | Wheat Beer | DreamWeaver |
| 2013 | Best IPA/Pale Ale | Best of the Philly Beer Scene | IPA/Pale Ale | Perpetual IPA |
| 2013 | Best Seasonal Beer | Best of the Philly Beer Scene | Seasonal Beer | Nugget Nectar |
| 2013 | Philly Tap Finder Award | Best of the Philly Beer Scene | Most Searches, Local Beer | Nugget Nectar |
| 2013 | Sales Rep of the Year | Best of the Philly Beer Scene | --- | Nick Johnson |
| 2013 | 1st Place | Philadelphia Inquirer "Brew-Vitational"[29] | Pilsner | Sunshine Pils |
| 2013 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[24] | Bock | Troegenator |
| 2013 | Bronze medal | Great American Beer Festival[24] | German-Style Pilsener | Sunshine pils |
| 2014 | Gold medal | Great American Beer Festival[30] | Bock | Troegenator |
Tröegs distribution states
See also
References
- Stuhldreher, Tim (August 5, 2017). "Troegs Brewing Co. expanding capacity, aiming for 100,000 barrels/year". Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- https://www.harrisburgbeerweek.com/
- "Troegs Brewing Co. in Hershey ranks 50th on Brewers Association list". April 11, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
- "Beer | Tröegs Independent Brewing". Tröegs Independent Brewing. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- SRM values are approximate and are intended to represent relative values rather than precise measurements
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Brewery Update from Chris and John - Brewer's Blog". Brewer's Blog. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- "Art of Troegs - Brewer's Blog". Brewer's Blog. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- Spellings shown here are those used by award presenters or sponsors--variant spellings may refer to similar or identical styles of beers (e.g. pils, pilsner, pilsener).
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/themes/2011/assets/uploads/gabf06_winners.pdf
- http://www.worldbeercup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2006_winners.pdf
- "Best of Philly: Food & Drink 2006". Philadelphia. June 20, 2007. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/themes/2011/assets/uploads/gabf07_winners.pdf
- http://www.worldbeercup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2008_winners.pdf
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/themes/2011/assets/uploads/gabf08_winners.pdf
- http://www.joesixpack.net/Beerguide.htm
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/themes/2011/assets/uploads/gabf09_winners.pdf
- https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2009-04-01/news/36837759_1_pale-ale-munich-malt-beer-madness
- http://www.worldbeercup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2010_winners.pdf
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/themes/2011/assets/uploads/gabf10_winners.pdf
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/gabf11_winners.pdf
- http://www.thefiftybest.com
- http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/winners/
- http://www.worldbeercup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/WBC12-Winners-List1.pdf
- http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/10/troegs_brewing_co_wins_nationa.html
- http://usbtc.com/attachments/File/USBTC_Summer_2012_Results_4.pdf
- http://www.phillybeerscene.com/2013/05/2013-best-of-winners/
- http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inthemix/The-Inquirer-Brewvitational-Playlist-Its-a-Drinkin-Thing.html
- https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/14_GABF_winners.pdf