My wonderful family got a variety of incredible sounding beers for my birthday from two Newcastle based brewers: Wylam and By The River. Today’s beer is from the latter. By The River are of course based along the River Tyne. They brew out of a container settlement under the Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river. ‘Doubleheeder’ is a big Double IPA at 8% ABV and brewed with a whole host of different hops.

Visually the beer has a gorgeously hazy apricot colour with a large thick snow white head. The nose is packed full of tinned stone fruits, particularly peaches, with a touch of grapefruit citrus too. The body of the beer as you start drinking is incredibly creamy. Hit with flavours of peaches and juicy mango. You get that nice hoppy hit on the front end before it tappers off into a smooth drinking and moreish finish.

A quick note on the can art: I love the clean cut between the top and bottom. Awesome design as well that reminds me of Dia de los Muertos. Very brooding.

What a great beer! It’s certainly the type of brew that gets better as you drink. As the beer begins to warm those fruit flavours become more and more prominent. Supremely soft mouthfeel throughout makes it easy drinking. The booze is certainly noticeable but in a good way. Reminds you that you are drinking a big 8% beer without overpowering the juicy flavours with the alcohol. A very good Double IPA! I’ve got a couple more beers from By The River, including an insane 14% stout, and if this is an indication of the quality I cannot wait to try them.

Score: 8.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Centennial, Simcoe, Mosaic, Idaho 7 & Amarillo
• Malt: Pilsner
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 8%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!