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Wychwood
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Wychwood, Circle Master Organic Ale (England) 
Wychwood make the organic ale for the Duchy Originals label, and there are similarities in the two beers. This has a lighter, medium yellow-gold colour and a nose that is pungently hoppy with a distinctive burnt edge: like summer grass that has been on fire. Beneath the herbal aromas are a raft of dark, toasty malt notes. On the palate this creamy-textured beer is crisp and lively, with masses of bitter hops and a fruity, tangy character before the softening malt gains a foothold. The finish is very sweet however, and though this is quite complex, I'd have prefered that initial hoppiness to really stay the course. 4.7% ABV, 50cl, �1.69, Asda, Booth's, Waitrose.  |  |
Wychwood, Hobgoblin Strong Dark Ale (England)
This is a dark, amber-tinged dark beer with a creamy-coloured head that is quite persistent. There's an immediate hoppy aromas of cut grass, nettles and leafy hedgerow, with just a hint of something darker beneath. On the palate this is quite full and creamy, with a dark chocolate edge to mollasses and dark, bittersweet, plummy fruit. That sweetness persists, but there are hints of hazelnut and bitters in this quite complex beer that finishes dry and long. 5.2% ABV, 50cl, �1.69, Asda, Booth's, Threshers, Waitrose. |  |
Wychwood, Whirlygig (England)
(RP) Whirlygig, a finalist in the ASDA Beer Competition, is pale copper in colour and is generously hopped with the traditional English varieties Fuggles and Goldings. Pale and crystal malts combine to give a complex nutty, sultana, raisin and toffee aroma and palate, underscored by a deep hop character that is piny and resinous on the nose. The hops give a deep and abiding bitterness to the palate and finish, which is balanced by ripe fruit and biscuity malt. 4.5% ABV, 50cl, �1.75, Asda. | |
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