Where To Buy Double Diamond Beer?

Double Diamond Burton Pale Ale is an English pale ale that was first brewed in 1876 by Samuel Allsopp & Sons. It was one of the highest-selling beers in the United Kingdom in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The beer was heavily advertised, especially on TV, with the tagline: A Double Diamond works wonders. While Carlsberg UK discontinued off-trade sales in 2003, it is claimed that small-scale production of the bottled variant continued as it was Prince Philip's favourite beer. Today, Double Diamond-branded merchandise can be found on e-commerce platforms such as Etsy and eBay, including vintage beer mats, coasters, and glasses.

Double Diamond beer merchandise

Double Diamond beer, an English pale ale, has been around since 1876. It was one of the highest-selling beers in the United Kingdom in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Even though off-trade sales were discontinued in 2003, Double Diamond beer and merchandise are still available for purchase.

• Vintage beer mats/coasters
• Vintage beer glasses and tankards
• Vintage beer advertisements, including posters and magazines
• Bar towels
• Ashtrays
• Beer pump
• Hanging pub/bar sign
• Retro light-up advertising sign
• Neon wall clock

Some of these items are vintage or rare, and prices vary accordingly.

History of Double Diamond beer

Double Diamond beer has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. Here is a detailed account of the evolution of this iconic beverage:

The Early Beginnings

The roots of the Double Diamond brand can be traced back to 1822 when Samuel Allsopp and Job Goodhead allegedly brewed an IPA in a teapot. The double diamond trademark, featuring two interlocking diamonds, was registered in 1876. This trademark was inspired by the symbols used to mark cask barrels at the time.

The First Brew and Expansion

Double Diamond, an English pale ale, was first brewed in 1876 by Samuel Allsopp & Sons of Burton upon Trent. Initially, it was brewed as an India Pale Ale (IPA), a style known for its ability to withstand long sea voyages and retain its flavour. In 1935, Samuel Allsopp & Sons merged with Ind Coope, leading to significant expansion in the production and distribution of Double Diamond.

The Rise in Popularity

Bottled Double Diamond began to gain traction in the market from 1946, with heavy advertising campaigns. By the 1950s, it had become one of the four nationally distributed beers in the United Kingdom. This widespread distribution played a crucial role in making Double Diamond a household name. The brand's distinctive red and orange colour scheme also contributed to its recognition.

The Keg Version and Cultural Iconic

The launch of the keg version of Double Diamond in the 1960s further boosted its popularity. During the 1960s and 1970s, Ind Coope heavily advertised the beer, especially on television, with the memorable tagline, "A Double Diamond works wonders." This era saw Double Diamond become a cultural icon in Britain, with its advertising campaigns and catchy jingles. The brand was so successful that it became synonymous with success and aspiration, often portrayed as "the beer the men drink."

Decline and Legacy

Despite its immense popularity, Double Diamond faced criticism from beer enthusiasts, particularly members of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), who campaigned against keg beers. This led to a decline in the market for keg beers, including Double Diamond. In 2003, Carlsberg UK discontinued off-trade sales of Double Diamond, but the keg version, known as Double Diamond Pale, continues to be produced with an ABV of 2.8%.

Double Diamond's legacy endures as a piece of British history. Its impact on beer culture, innovative marketing strategies, and cultural significance during its peak in the 1950s to 1970s have cemented its place in the annals of brewing history.

Where to buy Double Diamond beer

Double Diamond beer is a popular product on both Etsy and eBay. However, it is currently unclear whether the listings refer to the beer itself or memorabilia.

On Etsy, you can find a variety of Double Diamond beer memorabilia, including vintage advertisements, beer mats, glasses, and mugs. Etsy is a great place to find unique and vintage items, so if you're looking for something special or collectible, this may be the best option.

Similarly, eBay offers a range of Double Diamond beer-related products, including beer mats, coasters, ashtrays, and even a book. eBay is known for its wide selection of items, both new and used, so it's worth checking to see if any Double Diamond beer is available for purchase.

It's important to note that the availability of products on these websites may vary over time, and some items may be one-of-a-kind, so it's always a good idea to check back regularly if you're specifically interested in Double Diamond beer or memorabilia.

In addition to these options, local specialty beer stores or online beer retailers may also be worth exploring, especially if you're looking to purchase the beer itself rather than memorabilia. These stores often carry a diverse selection of beers, including harder-to-find or specialty brews.

Double Diamond beer memorabilia

Double Diamond Beer, an English pale ale first brewed in 1876, was one of the highest-selling beers in the United Kingdom in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Its popularity has declined since then, but memorabilia from its heyday is still available for enthusiasts.

Double Diamond Memorabilia

• Vintage advertisements and posters: These can be found on Etsy, with prices starting at £5.09. One particular listing offers a 1956 magazine advertisement for Double Diamond Beer, mounted and ready for framing.
• Beer mats and coasters: eBay offers a range of options, including vintage Double Diamond beer mats from the 1970s and retro beer mats featuring the iconic Double Diamond logo. Prices start at £0.85.
• Ashtrays: Collectors can find vintage Double Diamond ashtrays on eBay, such as the rectangular Wade ashtray from the 1980s, priced at £10.00.
• Glassware: Vintage Double Diamond pint glasses and tankards are available on Etsy, with prices starting at £9.00.
• Signs: Retro-style metal signs featuring the Double Diamond logo and advertising slogans can be found on eBay, with prices starting at £3.49.
• Other items: Additional memorabilia includes bar towels, domino sets, beer mugs, and even a Double Diamond-themed clock.

A Legacy of Double Diamond

Double Diamond's popularity was driven by its association with success and elegance, thanks to its early advertising campaigns. The brand's iconic imagery, such as the Double Diamond Little Man and the red and orange text, has left a lasting impression, with some collectors experiencing a sense of fake nostalgia for a beer they never tasted.

Double Diamond beer's advertising

Double Diamond beer has been advertised across a range of mediums, from beer mats and coasters to posters and magazine adverts. The brand's vintage advertising posters and magazine ads from the 1950s and 1960s are now available as reproductions, sold on eBay and Etsy.

Double Diamond beer mats and coasters are also available on eBay, with some listed as vintage and retro. These include listings for Ind Coope Double Diamond beer mats and coasters. Etsy also has listings for Double Diamond beer glasses, including vintage pint glasses and half-pint glasses.

Some listings on Etsy offer Double Diamond-themed homeware, such as bar signs, pub lights, and wall clocks. There are also listings for Double Diamond-themed clothing, including tights and perfume.

Frequently asked questions