While in Geneva, Eric and I stopped at the Beef ‘n Brew. It’s a fairly new restaurant, only been open two months, but their beer selection is to die for! They have about 15 beers on tap (mostly domestic mass-produced crap), but they have at least 50 selections in bottles. Probably more.

I decided to take a break from my normal light lager dinner selection and I decided to try an English Brown Ale by the name of Hobgoblin from the Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire, England. Yes, I picked it because of the name. It’s not often you find a beer that is so obviously aimed at the computer-gaming/fantasy/D&D type crowd. Which I happen to belong to. (What can I say, I love my fantasy-based RPG/adventure games.) On to the review.

Wychwood Hobgoblin
The creators claim this is a “ruby beer”. I agree as long as “ruby” means “cross between red ale and stout.” Which is exactly what it tastes like. My concern before the beer even showed up was that it would be too bitter for my tastes. It wasn’t. You certainly get the taste of the hops but it isn’t overwhelming. If you don’t like overly bitter beers, this one is a dark to try.  While you drink it, you get hints of chocolate, which I love. The bottle itself was very drinkable, but I think this is a one-and-done beer.

Drink this beer while you’re eating something beefy-be that stew, burgers, or steak. I happened to be eating fish and chips with it. Very English night for me.

Overall the Hobgoblin was very good, but what made it special was the label and the name, not necessarily the taste. I would certainly try Wychwood’s other creations if given the chance.

I’d give you a “try this if you like” recommendation but I don’t have anything that comes to mind. If someone else has a comparison, feel free to let me know.