Wychwood

Why it matters

Demonstrated that a dark, characterful British ale could hold mass distribution at a time when the category was contracting.

Details

Reference beers

• Hobgoblin4.5–5.2% ABV

  A dark, toffee-and-chocolate strong bitter that reached national supermarket distribution when the category was contracting.

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Styles it is associated with

• Strong bitter — The strongest of the bitters, with pronounced malt richness, firm bitterness and noticeable fruit from warm fermentation.
• English brown ale — A malt-led brown ale with hazelnut and caramel character, moderate strength and a dry, clean finish.

Traditions

• British cask ale — Beer that completes its fermentation in the container it is served from and is dispensed without added gas, at cellar rather than fridge temperature.