WYCHWOOD BREWERY

Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire is where centuries-old brewing tradition meets the enchanted legends of the ancient Wychwood Forest. Housed within historic walls once home to Clinch’s Brewery, Wychwood's beers are as bold and mysterious as the myths that whisper through the forest’s depths. The brand inspired by hobgoblins, witches, and other fantastical creatures said to roam the shadowed glades behind the brewery, a captivating tribute to a storied past where magic and malt intertwine.

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Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold English Golden Ale

4.5% ABV / 0.0

$10.95
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Wychwood Hobgoblin English IPA

5.3% ABV / 0.0

$10.95
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Wychwood Hobgoblin Ruby English Pale Ale

5.2% ABV / 0.0

$10.95

let's tap into their story!

Nestled in Witney, Oxfordshire, Wychwood Brewery carries a rich heritage that began in 1841 with Clinch’s Brewery, founded by John William Clinch – a scion of a respected banking family. For over 120 years, Clinch’s stood as a local landmark, a family enterprise steeped in tradition and quality.

Rebirth in the Eagle Maltings

In 1961, change came when Clinch’s Brewery was sold to Courage, marking the end of an era. Yet in 1983, English brewer Paddy Glenny, fresh from German training, breathed new life into the historic site by reopening it as The Eagle Brewery, later renamed Glenny Brewery. In 1990, in a nod to the ancient medieval Wychwood Forest bordering Witney, the brewery was reborn as Wychwood Brewery, melding history with modern craft.

Unleashing the Hobgoblin

A special commission in 1988 to create a celebratory wedding beer sparked the birth of a legend. That unique brew evolved into Hobgoblin – Wychwood’s signature ale. In 1996, Hobgoblin broke new ground as the first UK bottled beer to feature a pictorial front label, capturing the imagination of a new generation and setting a bold precedent in ale branding.

Myth and Magic on Every Label

At Wychwood, every label is a story in itself. Drawing inspiration from the mystical Wychwood Forest, the brewery’s artwork – featuring mischievous hobgoblins, witches, giants, and elves – brings a touch of medieval magic to each bottle. Beloved campaigns like “What's the matter lagerboy, afraid you might taste something?” added a cheeky twist, ensuring that the brewery’s creative designs were as memorable as its brews.

Crafting a National Legacy

Beyond its own branding, Wychwood played a pivotal role in preserving local brewing traditions. When Oxfordshire’s iconic Brakspear Brewery faced closure in 2002, Wychwood responded by establishing a dedicated brewhouse and fermenting room to keep the legacy alive. Acquired in 2008 by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, Wychwood grew to become a cornerstone of traditionally handcrafted British ales, with exports reaching far and wide.

A New Chapter: Legacy in Transition

In November 2023, amid an increasingly competitive market and a challenging economic landscape, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company made the difficult decision to close the historic Wychwood Brewery—then employing a small but dedicated team of six. Production of the iconic Hobgoblin will now continue at the group’s larger facility in Burton-on-Trent. Though the original walls of Wychwood Brewery now echo with the memories of its storied past, its spirit of innovation, creativity, and commitment to tradition endures in every sip.