Tiny Rebel 8 Pineapple IPA was bought on my travels to the Lake District with my girlfriend. Having already seen 28 years later at the cinema and being a fan of the franchise, I am shocked it took so long for me try this. This beer really took me by surprise so sit back and relax whilst I cover the history, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.
13 years later
The Brewery
Tiny Rebel was founded in 2012 in Newport, South Wales by Brad Cummings and Gazz Williams. They initially started in a small space before moving to a purpose built facility in 2017. This was in Rogerstone, Newport. This also included a bar space, tours and event space.
Early on, Tiny Rebel had released beers such as their Fubar and Urban IPA and one of their Welsh Red Ales called Cwtch won Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2015 which was monumental for such a small brewery at the time. They grew to export to many different countries along with awards in the SIBA Brewery Business of year and UK brewer of the year in the International beer challenge.
When it comes to Tiny Rebels mission, they emphasise “great times and great beer” with a playful rebellious spirit. The brewery also runs a community fund which involves putting money back into local projects and individuals. And as growth has occurred they have not lost their rebellious identity.
The Beer
Tiny Rebel 8 was created in collaboration with Sony Pictures based around the release of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, a sequel to the brilliant 28 days later. As part of this marketing push Tiny Rebel also released “2” which was a blood orange IPA. One on my list to try. The beers were deliberately 28 days before the release of the movie to cinemas.
In terms of the beer, this was a 4.3% Pineapple IPA which is marketed as a “tropical”, “juicy” and “refreshingly riotus” beer. There’s a playful serving suggestion: you can pour both IPAs (the “2” and the “8”) over ice in a pint glass, add a spirit, and make your own “dangerously delicious Singapore Sling–style” cocktail.
When you bought the can during release, you had a chance to win a three night survival experience to the Lake District. Tiny Rebel also held launch parties in their Newport and Cardiff bars. The release of the 28 years later collaboration is interesting that the story behind the beer is more than flavour, it gives a cultural angle which is tied to the film release.
A foamy pour
When poured, the Pineapple IPA gives off a slightly hazy, bright and golden yellow straw ish body. This looks like a typical session IPA. This had a foamy head which left lacing down the glass which added to the overall liveliness of this beer. This is an attractive IPA.
A taste and aroma that does exactly what it says on the tin.
Aroma
When poured, the aroma of pineapple is immediate, which was juicy and sweet rather than almost fake. After this, the aromatics present a citrus zest and stone fruit feel which adds to the pineapple flavour. A tropical hop character keeps the beer refreshing vibrant. The addition of malt base rounds off the beer. Overall, this is a fruit and hop dominated beer with clean and bright aromas.
Taste
On to the first sip, this commences with a clean wave of pineapple, which is juicy and sweet. This comes with nice hop bite with then shifts onto soft citrus flavour with a sprinkling of mango and stone fruits. The malt profile used in this brew keeps this beer light and crisp, allowing for the overall theme of the IPA to shine. This is a smooth and dry beer which could easily be refreshing and sessionable. Overall, a juicy, fresh and sessionable Pineapple IPA.
Time for my verdict
Overall, this is one of the cooler beers I have drunk recently simply due to the collaboration with the brilliant 28 days later franchise. The art work is brilliant and message is brilliant so top marks for that. The beer itself was sessionable and refreshing, something I really enjoyed even with the low ABV of 4.3%. I was really impressed by this one and I will be looking to the try the Blood Orange version of I see it anywhere else. I rate this beer a 4 out of 5. Simply for being unique and surprised me being a pineapple IPA.
Where did I purchase this beer?
I purchased this beer from Crafty BAA in Windermere. A cool craft beer bar where I also tried their house Ale called The Crafty Baa Snaily Pale.
Thanks for the reading my review, every view is really appreciated. If you enjoyed this review you may enjoy my review of the Fierce Iron Brew Beer Cooler. Cheers 🍻
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