Hobgoblin called “A Dark English Ale” is an ESB (Extra Special Bitter) from Wychwood Brewery of Oxfordshire, England. I don’t review a lot of ESBs, but it’s a classic style and a wonderful introduction to traditional English ales. The nose on this one is faint, with just a bit of grain and figs. The middle has caramel and orange notes, fading to a nutty finish that has some bitterness that turns to sweet molasses right at the end. Ultimately this is a nice classic ESB, and very enjoyable.

I give it a 4 out of 5.