Wychwood Brewery - Hobgoblin Ruby

Hobgoblin Ruby pours a deep amber to light brown color with a persistent head that leaves attractive lacing. Aromas of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit lead the nose, supported by notes of butterscotch, nuttiness, and subtle chocolate, all consistent with a traditional English dark ale profile. A faint woody character evokes the impression of beer drawn from a cask. On the palate, Hobgoblin Ruby is medium-bodied and well balanced, offering restrained sweetness countered by gentle hop bitterness. Flavors of caramel, raisins, and toffee are joined by earthy, slightly tobacco-like notes and a mild yeasty finish. Approachable and characterful, it is a classic example of a modern English dark ale. The brewery recommends pairing it with cheddar or Cotswold cheese, or simple snacks such as red grapes.

Wychwood Brewery was founded in 1983 when English brewer Paddy Glenny, who had lived and trained in Germany, established a new brewing operation in Witney, an historic market town in England’s Cotswolds. Witney has long been associated with the “three Bs”—bread, blankets, and beer—reflecting centuries of local textile production and brewing tradition. Glenny purchased the former Clinch’s Brewery, originally founded in 1841 and closed since the 1960s, and reopened it under the name Eagle Brewery, producing roughly 800 barrels per year in its earliest days.

In 1985, Glenny was joined by brewer Chris Moss, and together they expanded production and ambition. A pivotal moment came in 1988, when a local publican commissioned the brewery to create a special beer for his daughter’s wedding. Moss developed what would later become Hobgoblin, though it was not originally sold under that name. After the wedding, surplus beer was sold locally and quickly gained popularity. According to brewery lore, a sketch of a hobgoblin appeared on a firkin, inspiring the now-iconic branding.

In 1990, the brewery was renamed Wychwood Brewery after the nearby Wychwood Forest, and Glenny sold his share of the business to Ian Rogers, who partnered with Moss to grow the company. Expansion included the development of a pub estate specializing in traditional English cask-conditioned real ale. Today, Wychwood is best known for the Hobgoblin range, including Ruby, Gold, IPA, and King Goblin, with Hobgoblin Ruby remaining the flagship beer.