"a deliciously dark, full-bodied and rich 'chocolate' malted brew "
The Legendary Hobgoblin Strong Dark Ale
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It was in a shadowy corner of the old maltings in Witney that the first gurgle was heard: a delicious, dark, rich ale pouring from the cask.
A local landlord had commissioned a special brew to celebrate his daughter's wedding. Our founder, the late Chris Moss, God rest his soul, created the ale of his life - a dark, rich, and mysterious brew. What to call it though? Too much was brewed for the wedding, so a firkin of our still nameless beer was sold to a local grog shop. It went down so well, more was called for the very next day.
Chris dutifully delivered another firkin, and was stopped aghast in his tracks. What sight beheld him? A drawing of a Hobgoblin and the name had magically appeared on the beer. Was it the wanderer of the night? Was mischief afoot? Perhaps, under his gaze, a lay artist serving at the counter was so charmed with the ale, he'd been compelled to depict the character of the brew in a drawing.
From that day hence, customers would ask for The "Hobgoblin" beer, and the legendary ale was born.
Beware The Hobgoblin . . . He may work his magic on you . . .
Hobgoblin Tasting Note
5.2% ABV 500ml bottle, 5.0% ABV in cask
Hobgoblin is a powerful full-bodied copper red, well-balanced brew. Strong in roasted malt with a moderate hoppy bitterness and slight fruity character that lasts through to the end.
Head Brewer, Jeremy Moss, has produced a full chocolate malt flavour beer by the addition of a small proportion of crystal malt and the use of Fuggles hops blended with Styrian Goldings hops. The ruby red coloured Hobgoblin is full-bodied and has a delicious chocolate toffee malt flavour balanced with a rounded moderate bitterness and an overall fruity character.
The Original Commissioned Artwork for The Hobgoblin was produced for Wychwood Brewery by Ed Org. Various adaptations of the Original Hobgoblin have evolved the character into his depiction today.
"What's The Matter Lagerboy, afraid you might taste something?"
The Hobgoblin advertising campaign, "What's the Matter Lagerboy", was launched in Spring 2003, and has become a phenomenon. We are delighted with the reaction from publicans and consumers alike to this and subsequent campaigns.
Lagerboy merchandise, including posters, mugs and T-shirts, is now available from our online store.