Something a little different
Written: Nov 22 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good flavour, a little different
Cons: Needs better distribution
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| andaryl's Full Review: Hobgoblin Traditional English Ale |
This is a beer that I had never heard about until my mother picked one up at Trader Joe's for me.
Brewed by Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire, England, Hobgoblin is an import and not one of those brewed under licence beers. The beer is classed as a traditional English ale, and while it is not what you'd find in your big brand English ales, such as Bass, Tetley, Boddington's, it is definitely the kind of beer you'd expect to find in an independently owned or brewery pub in England.
The label showing a picture of an evil looking goblin, carrying a blood-stained axe would suggest something mischievous such as Dixie's Blackened Voodoo. However, at 5.5% the beer is definitely no threat. The words "fiercely independent" are also imprinted on the back of the bottle, implying that you are in line for something different.
According to the label, Hobgoblin is brewed with pale malt and a pinch of chocolate malt (don't be put off by this) and is a tawny red color. The aroma has a delightful hops and chocolate character, there is full and rounded malt in the mouth and the finish is packed with hops and fruit.
This description may be a little confusing, as I immediately turn my nose up at the thought of beer and chocolate. To the lesser enlightened (such as myself), I find much greater ease in describing Hobgoblin as very similar to a brown ale with a slightly sweet flavor. Personally I thouroughly enjoyed this one, and was only disappointed that I only had one bottle. I'm not sure if it's available in a multi-pack anywhere. Hobgoblin should be very enjoyable to fans of brown ale or red ale, although it is certainly a little sweeter than both.
Since I didn't have any food with this one, I'm not sure what I could recommend. Maybe you should just enjoy it with a bag of chips.
I learnt in the process of writing this review that this beer is being marketed as a Christmas gift in England. I have to say that it's certainly the kind of gift I'd like to wake up to on the 25th. So you may find this beer in beers of the world packs or similar in the USA.
Kids should leave one of these at the bottom of the chimney for Santa.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
Location: The Desert, So Cal
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