Beer "Hobgoblin". The light side of a dark beer

In the Russian market is not often found quality beer, so that after consumption hops were easy, and the head is clear. But in the UK they know a lot about foam drinks. Especially the English appreciate the beer "Hobgoblin". The history of the creation of this drink is as unusual as its taste.

History of creation

For many centuries, the city of Whitney, which is in the county of Oxfordshire (Great Britain), is famous for the best recipes of quality beer. It was in this wonderful place in 1841 that a small brewery Wychwood Brewery was born, producing an amazingly delicious beer according to old recipes. The most popular grade of beer produced here is Hobgoblin. According to polls conducted in the UK, this brand is the fourth most popular. Especially it is appreciated by young people and people who prefer quiet, leisurely conversations over a glass of fragrant English ale.

Despite the frenzied popularity, the beer "Hobgoblin" did not appear immediately. After almost one hundred and fifty years, in 1985, a talented brewer was hired to work in a brewery. Criss Moss was known for his extraordinary approach and knowledge of old English recipes. Once a rich man ordered a special sort of ale for the celebration of his daughter's wedding. During the preparation of the drink inside the bottle, Moss found himself at home. In English folklore, they are also called woodcuts or goblins. So the name of a new dark beer appeared, which was to the liking of both the customer and the performer.

Mysterious design

This English beer has a somewhat hooligan label with a little note of mysticism, unusualness and even mystery. The sticker on the bottle is very bright and colorful, immediately attracting the attention of the buyer. Initially, it depicted a goblin as seen by English folklore. A little later, realizing that the popularity of beer is gaining momentum, the creators came up with other labels. Today on the labels of the beer of Wychwood Brewery there is a black witch, Goliath, Red-headed, Scarecrow, Fiddler and many other characters.

If you buy Hobgoblin beer in Russia, you will see a translation on the label. Also on the reverse side, the composition of beer (water, yeast, malt and hops) and the manufacturer's data will be described in Russian letters.

Hobgoblin - beer, which has not only an unusual label, but also a bright colorful cover. It shows the arms of the brewing company. And this, as you've already guessed, is a mysterious goblin.

Taste and color

Beer "Hobgoblin" is made from three varieties of hops and several varieties of malt. This allowed to create the perfect taste combination, which was so loved by lovers of foam drink. Despite the fact that the alcohol content in this drink is 5.2%, the aftertaste or alcohol smell (like the cheap beers) is not observed. As the reviews say, "Hobgoblin" is a very pleasant and tasty beer with a bitterness remaining in the throat and tongue. The taste is slightly sweet, tart and enveloping. A long aftertaste remains, which is especially appreciated by connoisseurs.

In color, the beer "Hobgoblin" is just as unusual, mystical. As a rule, dark beers, poured into a glass, give off red. Here, a very even and beautiful brown shade plays with languid juicy colors in your glass. So you want to bring the glass to the light and look closely. And is not the goblin hiding there?

Foam

As the experienced brewers say, the "right" foam is a visiting card, which must be of high-quality English beer. Foam in beer "Hobgoblin" remains in the glass for a long time after the spill, settles sedately and slowly, decorating the walls of the vessel. The height of beer foam in this case is about two centimeters. The foam is very lush, if not dense. Bubbles in it very little.

Aroma

It is known that quality beer can be easily determined even by smell. The aroma of the beer "Hobgoblin" is distinguished by an abundance of shades. There are notes of pear, black pepper, spices, caramel and, of course, good hops.

Experienced connoisseurs of beer say that the smell of beer "Hobgoblin" is very persistent and full. Beer smells like classic English ale, without a sustained alcohol flavor.

Advantages and disadvantages

Summarizing all of the above, I would like to note the main advantages and disadvantages of the beer "Hobgoblin". Let's start, perhaps, on the good side.

• Classical English ale.
• Quality ingredients.
• Abundant "tasty" foam.
• Amazing fragrance.
• Pleasant, tart, slightly bitter taste.

As for the shortcomings, they are very few. Firstly, this type of beer is not sold in all Russian stores. Try a quality English beer will be, if you spend a lot of time searching for it.

Secondly, not all can afford this type of beer. The price frankly bites. If, say, the usual Russian beer "consumer goods" costs 35-50 rubles per bottle, then English beer will cost you 250-300 rubles (depending on the region, the seller, the store).

Thirdly, beer, brought to Russia, is sold in glass bottles or tin cans, that is, it is not alive (it has been heat treated). English beer, which is sold in pubs and bars in the UK, will differ significantly with it to taste. As experts say, who tried the real dark beer, it is significantly different in taste and density.

To summarize, I want to note that it is definitely worth trying the Hobgoblin beer, despite its price and the complexity of the acquisition. Even past treatment, it does not lose its amazing taste qualities, light hop, which pleasantly makes the head dizzy, and a wonderful fragrance.