A Wyching esperience - Part 2

Hiya again, Beer Drinkers!

For the second entry in this two-parter, I'll be reviewing the signature brew of Wychwood Brewery, Hobgoblin Dark English Ale. Just like it's somewhat-magical cousin, Hobgoblin comes in a flamboyant bottle, promising all sorts of treats to any who dare pop the top. Promptly doing just that, we immediately notice a sweet, chocolaty smell, with a bit of copper tones to accompany.

Upon pouring, the drinker will notice a dirty, ruddy red color, as if the brew is liquid ruby. It settles into a thick frothy head, which retains better than Wychcraft. After about 5 minutes, however, it too dissipates into a thin disc. The opening flavors are a combination of bittersweet chocolate (minus much sugar). It is rather reminiscent of a burnt amber ale, on first thought. Typical of a dark English Ale, it's nice and dry, resulting in a crisp, yet heavy finish. It actually hits rather quickly, although I am a bit full from dinner at the time of writing. On that note, Hobgoblin makes quite the nice dessert beer! Overall, this year-round staple makes a much better impression than our first entry.

Score: 8.5/10, for devilishly good taste, complex tones, and a pretty sight inside and out.

Until next time, Happy Drinking!

A Wyching experience - Part 1

Hiya guys!

It's been a long while since I've put another entry in here, which means it's high time for another! Starting today, i'll be doing a two-parter, with a nice English selection I dug out of a local bottle shop. Wychcraft, from Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire, UK creates a number of Halloween themed beverages, and this Blonde Ale fits with the menagerie. It comes in a rather ornate bottle, describing such attributes as "Thrice-hopped and Golden" and some of the supposed flavor profiles.

Popping the bottle results in a sweet honey nose, complete with some sour, citrus notes. It pours a dark (hazy) golden, springing a frothy medium head, which mostly dissipates in a few minutes. The flavor profiles are varied and interesting. Starting a bit bittersweet (with subtle hops) the brew grabs hold of your senses, albeit not in an incredibly strong way. From there, the promised citrus comes out, in the form of a grapefruit taste, coupled with the initial sweetness, which makes it feel like a full breakfast. Transforming into the sweet & sour finish, which fades away into a light maltyness. The beer gets much easier to drink over time, and eventually settles quite heavily (like a full meal in and of itself) Overall, it isn't too bad, and rather more complex than I expected. I am a little bit disappointed in the overly-subtle notes, and I think more could have been done to make the brew live up to it's Wychcrafting roots. Not too bad, however, and I would certainly try it again.

Score: 7.5/10

I'll see you guys next time, and Happy Drinking!