Wychwood Black Wych

Once upon a time (1983), in a far away land, down in the deep, dark forest of Wychwood, a micro brewery arose and took root in the maltings of the long departed Clinch's brewery in Witney. By using water from the River Windrush, and yeast from the late Morland's brewery, WYCHWOOD BREWERY has gone from success to success - from a one-man business producing only 8-10 barrels a week, to a larger concern producing 30,000 barrels a year. The main man, Chris Moss, is said to like beers with hearty and individualistic flavours and aromas, and names them suitably. Beers like: Dog's Bollocks, Hobgoblin ... more

In my job, I sometimes have to sample things. Such as biscuits and even, somtimes, bottled real ale. No? Really? Yes! Really! Some time ago I was given a bottle of Black Wych to try. I knew straight away that I was going to enjoy it, Why? Because Wychwood brew great beer. Black Wych is a real beer. It is dark, it is inviting. It is, in fact, a stout. Now, I know that to many people stout conjours up images of Minnie Caldwell (she owned a lovely little cat, you know!) and Eana Sharples in the snug of the Rover's Return in Corornation Street, but Black Wych is a serious business. Black Wych is ... more