Hobgoblin - Ruby Beer (England)

www.wychwood.co.uk
Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin Ruby Beer
5.2% ABV

Wychwood brewery is based in Oxfordshire, England.  In 1988 head brewer Chris Moss was asked to create a special brew for the wedding of a local publican's daughter: - Fuggle and Styrian hops were blended with Pale, Crystal and Chocolate Malts to create the beer which was a huge success and so Hobgoblin Ruby Beer was born.
Wychwood use creative marketing and packaging for their beers playing on the imagery of elves, goblins and other mythical creatures.  The brewery produce a number of different beers; some permanent some seasonal.  Some of the creative titled beers include: - King Goblin (stronger 6.6%), Wych Craft (Blonde), Scarecrow (Organic Golden Ale), Goliath (Pale Ale) and Ginger Beard (Alcoholic Ginger Beer) - all with their own associated artwork.
It was their more well known Ruby Beer that went under the microscope first of all.....

Review

It pours almost mahogony clear with some carbonation and an off white head.  The aroma has roasted malts coming through with a slight hint of citrus.  On the tongue you get toffee and a roasted malt flavour, a little sweet balances the hoppy bitterness.  The drink is quite smooth and slightly creamy on the palate, with a medium body.  There is a slight astringent fruity finish.

Without the marketing; the beer itself is quite tasty although not mind blowing.  Worth grabbing one and trying for a weeknight, there are certainly some nice characteristics in there.  It would possibly be worth tracking down and giving it a go in the UK to try on cask.

Scores

Aroma 5/10
Appearance 4/5
Taste 6/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 14.5/20

Total 67%