Double Maxim was first brewed in 1901 and was initially called Maxim Ale. Its was created to celebrate the return of the Maxim Gun detachment from theBoer War.

Major Ernest Vaux - a member of the original brewing family - commanded the detachment which was part of the Northumberland

Hussars.Soon after launch Maxim Ale was reduced in strength following complaintsfrom landlords - their customers kept falling asleep!
On 22nd July 1938. Maxim Ale was increased in strength again and renamed Double Maxim.