Green Goblin (Wychwood Brewery/Thatchers)

I am well acquainted with Wychwood as a brewer of ales.  Hobgoblin and Wychcraft are no strangers to me. But for some reason a Cider from Wychwood has, until now, escaped my notice.  And this particular bottle was the only one in the Off Licence fridge, so for all I know, it's the only one in existence...

The tag line says 'Oak-rageously Oak aged' referring to the fact that it is fermented in 100 year old Oak vats, and as it's brewed in Somerset, with Somerset apples (Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak apparently) you'll have no 'Food Miles' issues here.


At 6% it delivers a sharp jab to the cerebral cortex and more than a few of these might well leave you relying on your limbic system to navigate your route to the taxi via the kebab shop.  Steady as she goes lads...


The pour offers a rapidly settling fizz and in no time at all a perfect, clear pint sits before you.  It is sweet to taste with a satisfyingly lingering apple after taste that sets it apart from inferior ciders.  It's flavour is excellent, and not too challenging.  It has the feeling of the kind of drink that could become a popular in pubs in the way that Stowford Press, Thatchers Gold or Aspall have done of late.  And like them, you would be glad to see this sitting on tap in place of Some other, more common, less interesting Ciders..


A lovely, drinkable cider.  Not quite as sharp as I had expected, perhaps the name Green Goblin gives the impression of some agression that you don't get from it, but you'll be pleasantly surprised as a result.  I would happily make this my drink of choice at the beginning of the night and stick to it all night long.  A respectable 7/10.

Footnote: I have read the Green Goblin website since writing this and see that it is now brewed by Thatchers, which probably makes my bottle a rarity.  It is also now available on Draft.  Come on landlords, lets see this in your pubs...