Brewery: Wychwood
Location: Witney, England
ABV: 5.0%
Version: 500ml bottle
Source: Tesco

Yes, I know Hallowe’en was three weeks ago but as I covered my other Hallowe’en themed beer a week early it seems only fair to post this one late. That, and my local Tesco didn’t actually have any in stock until the week after. At this rate I’ll be covering Christmas ales at Easter.

Wychwood were already marketing Hobgoblin as the unofficial beer of Hallowe’en so not sure where Pumpking is supposed to fit in their seasonal line-up. And to be honest, I’m not quite sure why it exists at all. Like the aforementioned Hobgoblin, it pours a dark amber colour and gives off the familiar fruity aroma with a hint of toffee. The flavour is very similar to Hobgoblin as well, with the dried fruit giving way to some bitter hoppiness, only with an added touch reminiscent of toffee apples. Didn’t detect any pumpkin. There is some sweetness present but it’s better controlled and not as offputting as the offering from Badger. The whole lot ends with a slightly dry finish but really, it just tastes like Hobgoblin made to a slightly different recipe. Interesting to try but I won’t be seeking it out next year, better just sticking with the original Hobgoblin.