The Story Behind the Brew
In recent years, the UK craft beer scene has exploded with innovation—and Full Circle Brew Co, based in Newcastle’s Hoults Yard, has been right at the forefront. Founded in 2019 by Ben Cleary, the brewery made an immediate impact with standout beers like the award-winning Looper IPA and its bigger sibling, Dooper Double IPA.
Fast forward to 2024, and Full Circle partnered with Asda to create an exclusive range of craft beers, making high-quality, small-batch brewing accessible to everyday shoppers. One of the highlights of this partnership is the Asda x Full Circle Brew Co Double IPA, a bold and flavour-packed offering that showcases the brewery’s hop-forward expertise.
The Pour
Right out of the can, this Double IPA pours a rich golden-amber hue with a gentle haze and a lively carbonation. A thick, creamy off-white head forms beautifully, offering great retention and lacing as you sip. The appearance is textbook for the style—inviting, vibrant, and bursting with character.
Taste & Aroma
The aroma is everything you’d expect from a top-tier DIPA: tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and peach take centre stage, supported by layers of citrus zest, grapefruit, and a whisper of resinous pine. There’s a subtle sweetness from the malt that helps round out the bouquet.
On the palate, this beer delivers in spades. Juicy and hop-forward, the flavour is dominated by bright citrus and stone fruit, with a smooth malt backbone offering a hint of caramel to balance the bitterness. There’s a slight warmth from the higher ABV, but it’s expertly masked beneath the layers of fruity hops and a dry, clean finish.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
The Asda x Full Circle Double IPA is a bold, accessible, and well-balanced introduction to the Double IPA style—especially impressive considering its supermarket availability. While it doesn’t quite reach the complexity of some higher-end DIPAs, it packs in excellent flavour, a smooth mouthfeel, and remarkable drinkability. For £3 or less per can, it’s an absolute steal.
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