Looking for a big, big brew to satisfy your thirst? Maybe you want something bigger than big. Yes, a huge beer is what you want. But wait. That might not even be big enough. No, dear reader, for your discerning palate, only a beer of epic proportions will do. Thus I give you Goliath Ale, a brew that understandably sets up some pretty big expectations. But can it live up to them? Read on, my friends, and you will find out.

Before we go any further, let’s see what Wychwood has to say about the beer:

The chronicles of history testify to towering giants who dominated their peers with their huge physical stature and strength. Goliath, giant ale is no exception. Brewed with the finest malt, hops and water, the elegant citrus taste is perfectly balanced by a strong crisp bitterness. Truly a Giant among ales.

See, there they go comparing the beer to giants. But is this a fair comparison? The bottle is big enough. At 660 ML, it’s a lot bigger than your average imported single. That’s almost (but not quite) two twelve-ounce beers. Alcohol-wise, this beer resembles David more than it does Goliath. At 4.7% alcohol by volume, Goliath is only average in stature. How about flavor? Let’s see, shall we?

Goliath Ale pours to a hazy ruby orange color with a medium creamy head formation and a light fruity nose. The palate is firm enough in body with good mouthfeel, a hint of butter, a touch of prune, and a respectable caramel flavor. A touch of fruit increases in the palate as you sip, leading into a nicely balanced finish that leaves a gentle buzz of grassy hops lingering on the tongue. I especially like the way the butter flavors merge with the bitterness.

Overall, not a bad pale ale at all, but I don’t think it’s as big a beer as Wychwood makes it out to be. In fact, Goliath is very reminiscent of other Wychwood beers, like Scarecrow and Fiddler’s Elbow. They’re all fairly similar ales, at least in the bottle. I would likely try it again, but I think it’s an average beer.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

 



Home