North East Beer Review

A beer I had been excited to try ever since its release last year. If you are fan of Wylam Brewery Jakehead and love a good Double IPA, this will be for you. Keeping with the iconic snake print pattern, this is a great evolution of the original OG Jakehead. Born in Newcastle, Famous Nationwide, I will cover the history of this brewery and beer, the pour, flavour profile and finally, my verdict. Cheers

Geordie Pride

Wylam Brewery was founded in 2000 by John Boyle and Robin Leighton in a disused dairy factory near Heddon-on-the-wall. Wylam quickly gained recognition for its high quality ales which lead to an expansion in 2006. Consequently, in 2016 the brewery relocated to the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Newcastle. This is a grade 2 listed building originally constructed for the 1929 North East Coast Exhibition. This contains a 30 barrel brewhouse, taproom and events space. Today, Wylam are known for their hop forward styles inspired by American style brewing techniques.

Wylam Jakehead was released in 2012 and became Wylam’s flagship beer. Brewed using Citra, Simcoe, Chinook and Centennial hops, this at the time was voted one the UK’s best hop forward beers and is regarded as a modern craft classic.

The Jakehead DIPA evolved from Jakehead’s recipe to celebrate the OGs anniversary. The Double IPA utilises the an amplified Citra, Centennial, Simcoe and Chinook hop profile which helps provide a fuller body and stronger tropical and citrus fruits. The DIPA basically bridges the gap between the OG and the Imperial version. This DIPA carries an ABV of 8.3% and offers the same drinkability but more intensity at the same time.

A thick and juicy pour

Jakehead DIPA presents a golden to deep orange colour which is distinctly hazy and opaque due to the beers unfiltered nature. A medium sized foamy head forms which is preserved during the drinking experience as well as a moderate degree of lacing which clings to the side of the glass. The carbonation appears to be moderate which is soft and smooth giving it an almost juice look and feel. Overall, this has all the signs of a great hazy Double IPA which looks fresh, juicy and refreshing.

A pour bursting with flavour

Aroma

Wylam Jakehead DIPA contains aromas which burst out of the can as soon as you crack it open. The juicy hop forward nature presents tropical flavours of mango and pineapple alongside a citrus side with aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest. There is a subtle resinous aroma which gives an extra layer of depth. The malt profile adds hints of caramel and sweet biscuit. Overall, this beer is an explosion of hop forward flavours with an intense tropical and citrus aroma.

Taste

On the palate, the DIPA pretty much echoes the aroma. Immediately on the first sip, you will notice the tropical flavours which is that of mango, pineapple and hints of stonefruit such as peach. Notes of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit. Mid Palate, a resinous herbal bitterness gives this beer an extra degree of depth. Alongside this, the malt bill gives this a smooth and sweet flavour such as a bready sweetness whilst also presenting balance to the beer. The finish offers a clean and slightly bitter finish from the citrus and hop nature. This leaves a lingering flavour that invites you for another sip. Overall, a very deep flavoured and hop forward beer which is exactly what you would expect from a top notch Double IPA.

Time for my verdict

I feel like the Jakehead DIPA is an immensely enhanced version of the OG Jakehead which offers the same charm but more of a depthful experience. A brilliantly balanced beer which does exactly what you would expect from a top quality DIPA. This is done by its extremely hop forward nature alongside its resinous and malty side which makes a delicious sipper. Overall, this is top notch and really tasty so I rate this a solid 4.75 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

This beer was bought as a gift from my girlfriend from Rehills of Jesmond. Top quality bottle shop and offers every type of beer you would ever want.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed this review, you will love my review of Wylam NCL Flags. Cheers