Wychwood (Marstons plc) Hobgoblin Gold Golden Ale at 4.5% ABV (C$3.99 at NLC Stavanger, 500 ml, best before 17-Apr-2016)
Appearance: clear pale gold with one finger of rocky white head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grassy hops, grapefruit, pale malt, faint wheat and honey. (6/10) Taste: mild to moderate sweet, mild to moderate bitter. (5/10) Palate: light body, lively to moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Starts off with a nicely hoppy aroma – too bad it doesn’t translate through onto the tongue. Tastes somewhat more like a pale euro lager than a hoppy ale. The aromas fade fairly quickly, too. I’m also deeply disappointed that the Nelson Sauvin hops don’t seem to be coming through – I’m getting none of those vinous grapey notes I associate with that hop. For all that, a pleasant and refreshing beer, especially after a hard day working in the yard. (12/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
