Ahh, Hobgoblin - as far as I can recall from my first fuzzy-faced forays into the world of dingy rock pubs and biker venues, Hobgoblin has been the staunchest of warhorses amongst the world of ale fans. While I don't quaff anywhere near as much ale as I used to, it is still a firm favourite whenever I wander into the pub and see it on draught amidst ranks of unfamiliar ales. While I like to venture out into the realms of differently tasting ales, if I'm dubious about the landlord's ability to keep beer well, I'll plump with Hobgoblin as it's pretty popular and therefore more likely to be fresh. Hobgoblin is the talismanic ale for Wychwood brewery. The ...  Read the complete review

I've been drinking hobgoblin for just under 5 years now. I have had it from draught, bottle and can. Draught is by far superior, followed by the bottle and then the canned. Bottled and canned hobgoblin is 5.2%, whereas draught is 4.5% (it was 5% previously, but it was changed to 4.5% as apparently it sells better). At my local pub, a pint of draught costs £2.60, which is quite expensive, but I think that it's worth it as it's a quality British product. Bottles are about £1.50 from Sainsbury's but if you buy multipacks you can get a better deal. At first glance freshly poured draught hobgoblin may be mistaken for Guinness. It has a deep ...  Read the complete review

Wychwood may just be one of the most appealing breweries in England. Not only are their creations fantastic, but they also entwine it with interesting artwork and names. Hobgoblin is probably the most well known of the wychwood beers, and for good reason. This ruby rascal is a dark ale of curious flavour. Hints of fruit are only detected after the initial punch of the dark malt and brooding bitterness is overcomed. Originally 5.5%, I have noticed the goblin has become slightly more stoic in his elder years - now clocking in at a weaker, but still punchy, 5%. Unless you are lucky to find it as a guest, or live near the brewery, it can be hard to ...  Read the complete review

I buy this beer once a week. What first struck me about wychwood beers was the artwork all halloween - pagan/fairy - devilish artwork. Hobgoblin is no exception which is ruby in colour. and full bodied. It tastes bitter but seems to have blackcurrent in the background. It is strong at 5.2% and will give you an hangover if you drink to much of it. Buying the bottled stuff is better than the tinned because you dont get the taste of ...  Read the complete review

Maybe it was the lable. Maybe it was cause i was drunk Maybe it was the gods. Whatever it was that caused me to try this beer a couple of years ago, they served me a great purpose because this is perhaps the best real ale you can buy at the shops. The taste of this beer is very subtly, but it is also very strong. Everytime you drink this, it is a wonderful experience, because you know that you are drinking something that has possible fallen from the table of the gods. This is easily my favourite real ale, and one od my most favoured drinks, so pour me another... ...  Read the complete review