Hobgoblin - Wychwood Brewery

Hobgoblin is a beer I have been drinking for several years now, so I know its character pretty well... But I am yet to review iet - so here it is!
This is an English Ale which, at this time of year, bills itself as the unoffcial beer of Halloween... whatever that means.  Anyway, it comes in at a respectable 5.2% ABV

The beer appears a dark copper, ruby colour which is nice and clear.  The mild carbonation gives a small fizzy off-white head which drops to nothing pretty quick

On the nose there is a complex mix of roasted caramel malt, biscuit, cracker, dark fruits and some mild chocolate.  Slight hint of the booze coming through at the back end.

The taste starts off with a whack of the roasted malt, giving a sweet blend of caramel and chocolate.  Notes of biscuit are also there.  Mid-palate, dark fruits (figs and plums), some vanilla, marmalade and booze come in, before a mildy bitter and citric finishes things off nicely.  There is some linger, which is mostly some bitterness with a touch of dark fruit sticking about.

Mouthfeel is smooth, with low astringency, good carbonation levels and is full bodied.  It's well balanced and the alcohol provides a welcome warming feel
Overall, I was half expecting not to enjoy this, as I have had it so much in the past; but, it is still the malty, sweet brew that I have loved for so long
90% - Very good