Christmas was a low-key affair this year like it was for many people.  One of my gifts was two tickets to tour the Wychwood Brewery in Witney – the home of Hobgoblin.

On Saturday 8 January, Deborah and I made the short trip to the brewery.  We arrived a little early for the tour so had a few minutes to wander around Witney town centre.

When we headed back to the brewery we received a friendly greeting and asked if we would like to pop downstairs to the bar for a little taster.  Deborah sampled a 1/2 pint of Hobgoblin and I opted for a 1/2 of Oxford Gold – a Brakspear beer that is also brewed on-site at Wychwood.  Gradually, the other members of our tour party arrived.

The brewery site is not as big as I had expected it to be.  I will not give all the statistics about products and production as it will ruin it for anyone who plans to visit.  I will say that I was surprised by the numbers.  The tour around the production area lasted about 45 minutes but in that time I think I picked up loads of tips on how to improve my home-brew.  After the tour we all headed back to the bar for more sampling.

These samples were not server in 1/2 pints (unfortunately) but in little plastic shot glasses.  Half a dozen different bottles and jugs of draught ale were opened and the virtues of each label discussed and compared.

Then it was time to leave.  Our time was up and the tour was over.  The compulsory visit to the gift shop and then back into the car with our complimentary glass each (and a few extras).