Rude Elf Beer: Where To Buy The Seasonal Brew

Fegley's Rude Elf's Reserve is a Belgian-style holiday ale with a difference. Brewed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this cheeky elf has a spicy attitude and a dry finish. With a rich body and a warming 10.5% ABV, this strong dark ale is the perfect winter warmer, with hints of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and gingerbread. You can find it seasonally on draft and in bottles at select distributors in Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works from late October through December. So, if you're looking to get your hands on a bottle of this festive brew, now's the time! It's also available in a bourbon barrel-aged variety, which won a Bronze Medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Fegley's Rude Elf's Reserve

The beer is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, with a rich body and dry finish. It has a deep reddish hue and a whopping 10.5% ABV. It is brewed with a blend of spices, including clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a unique selection of Belgian yeasts, creating a warm and inviting holiday drink. The beer has a sweet aroma with a fine carbonation that masks its high ABV. It is best served in a 13oz tulip glass, which showcases its wonderful aromatics and beautiful colour.

The beer has garnered positive reviews, with drinkers noting its well-balanced spice flavours and smooth mouthfeel. It has also won awards, including a Bronze Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2009 and a Silver Medal at the World Beer Championships in 2002.

If you're looking to get your hands on Fegley's Rude Elf's Reserve, be sure to check out the Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works locations during the holiday season.

Fegley's Brew Works

The Bethlehem Brew Works location has a vibrant, bustling, and friendly atmosphere. It offers indoor dining, with booths and tables available, as well as a bar area. The restaurant also seems to have an open brewery-type atmosphere, where customers can view the brewing process. Fegley's Brew Works offers a fine dining experience, with culinary artistry and exceptional service. The menu includes items such as:

• Bavarian pretzel bites with butter, garlic, cheese, and beer dipping sauce
• Steelgaarden Wit (a Belgian-style beer with a light, fresh flavor)
• Pig iron pulled pork sandwich
• Brewben (the Fegley's version of the Reuben sandwich)
• Boom boom shrimp
• Beer & cheese soup
• Beer-battered fish and chips
• Flatbread pizzas
• Burgers
• Grilled chicken sandwich
• Philly cheesesteak
• Nachos
• Wings
• French dip sandwich

Allentown, PA

If you're looking to get your hands on some Rude Elf Beer in Allentown, PA, there are a few places you can check out. Rude Elf Beer, a festive brew by the Southern Tier Brewing Company, makes its appearance each holiday season and is usually available from November through December. Here are some specific locations in Allentown, PA, where you can try to find it:

Local Beer Distributors and Specialty Stores:

• Allentown Beverage: This local beverage distributor located on Union Boulevard carries a wide variety of beers, including seasonal and craft options. They are likely to stock Rude Elf Beer during the holiday season.
• Dorneyville Beverage: Another great option, this beverage distributor on Hamilton Boulevard, offers a large selection of craft beers and seasonal favorites. They might have Rude Elf Beer in stock or could order it for you.

Grocery and Convenience Stores:

• Wegmans Allentown: The Wegmans supermarket chain often carries a diverse range of beers, including seasonal releases. Check their craft beer section or inquire with their beverage staff about the availability of Rude Elf Beer during the holidays.
• Giant Supermarket: Some larger Giant Supermarket locations may stock Rude Elf Beer as part of their seasonal offerings. Try the store on Cedar Crest Boulevard or use their website to check availability at other Giant locations in Allentown.

Bars and Restaurants:

• The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar: This popular restaurant and bar in downtown Allentown feature a rotating selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles. During the holiday season, they may offer Rude Elf Beer as a festive option.
• The Brew Works - Allentown Brewpub: As a local favorite for craft beer, The Brew Works might include Rude Elf Beer in their seasonal lineup. Visit their Allentown Brewpub on Highland Street to enjoy a festive pint or ask about taking some home.

Online Options:

• Online Beer Retailers: If you prefer shopping online, check websites like BeerAdvocate, Drizly (if they operate in your area), or specialty beer retailers. These sites may offer Rude Elf Beer for purchase, sometimes in combination with other holiday craft beers.
• Southern Tier Brewing Company Website: Keep an eye on the brewery's website for updates on seasonal releases and where to buy them. They often provide a list of distributors and retailers that carry their beers, including Rude Elf Beer.

Please note that beer availability can vary from year to year, and not all locations may stock Rude Elf Beer. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check the websites of these establishments to confirm they have Rude Elf Beer in stock before making a special trip.

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Rude Elf's Reserve, formerly known as Rudolph's Reserve, is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale crafted by Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works. It was first developed and brewed in 1999 at the Bethlehem Brew Works under original head brewer and co-owner Jeff Fegley. This festive brew is a spiced beer with a rich body and dry finish, boasting an impressive 10.5% ABV.

The complex spice notes in Rude Elf's Reserve include clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg, seamlessly blended with subtle fruit esters from a unique Belgian yeast blend. Its deep reddish-brown hue and warming alcohol presence make it a perfect holiday beverage. The beer is best served in a tulip glass, allowing drinkers to appreciate its wonderful aromatics and vibrant colour.

As a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Rude Elf's Reserve showcases a rich malty sweetness, significant esters, and a subtle spiciness. The malt character is prominent, often with a caramel, toast, or bready aroma. The fruity esters add depth, with notes of raisin, plum, dried cherry, fig, or prune. The beer's carbonation is high, contributing to a smooth and dangerous drinking experience.

The Fegley family's Rude Elf's Reserve is a seasonal offering, available from late October through December. It can be found on draft at Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works and in select distributors in 12oz and 750ml bottles, 1/2 and 1/6 bbls.

ABV, calories and taste

Rude Elf's Reserve, formerly known as Rudolph's Reserve, is a Belgian-style holiday ale with a rich body and a dry finish. It has a high ABV of 10.5% and approximately 160 calories. The beer has a deep reddish hue, with a creamy tan head and a sweet aroma of harmonic spices, including clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The taste is described as spicy, with hints of gingerbread and fruitcake, and a smooth mouthfeel. It is best served in a tulip glass and pairs well with hearty dishes like hot wings, BBQ, sharp blue cheese, and grilled meats.

The beer has received generally positive reviews, with some highlighting its well-balanced spice notes and hidden ABV. It has been described as a "damn fine Christmas beer" and a "great brew for the holidays." However, some reviewers found it to be too spicy or lacking in depth.

Overall, Rude Elf's Reserve is a strong, spicy, and sweet holiday ale that has become a Christmas legend in its own right. It is available seasonally, from late October through December, at select locations and distributors.

Frequently asked questions