North East Beer Review

Tiny Rebel 28 Years Later released two beers in which one was called 2 and the other 8. This review is on number 2, the Blood Orange Liqueur IPA. I decided to try this one upon the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. So to start off this review I will cover the history of this reputable brewery and beer, the pour, the taste and aroma and my verdict. I might even throw a movie review in for good measure. Cheers

14 years later: a brewery in Newport

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.

Tiny Rebel number 2 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 “8” which was a Pineapple IPA. One I have tried previously . The beers were deliberately 28 days before the release of the movie to cinemas. I tried this one after watching 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Number 2 is a blood orange liqueur IPA which is sessionable at an ABV of 4.3%. This was released on the 19 June 2025.

A rebellious pour

When poured, Tiny Rebel 2 presents a red hue which is meant to imitate blood orange which is different from the usual golden yellow colour. This beer is extremely opaque which makes it look like a smoothie. A light pink head forms which was delicate and left a soft amount for lacing down the glass. The carbonation is moderate and feels more like a carbonated fruit juice. Overall, this beer is something that really ties into the theme of 28 Years Later.

Does what it says on the tin

Aroma

The aroma of Tiny Rebel 28 Years Later 2 gives off citrus notes which is basically just blood orange. This is aided with bitterness and smells similar to a tart like flavour. Overall, a pretty simple aroma this beer presents.

Taste

When it comes to taste of this beer, blood orange dominates which offering an extremely citrus feel which is more fruity than regular IPAs. The bitterness gives this beer a slightly sour feeling in my opinion, although this is pretty moderate. This beer finishes dry with a tangy citrus bitterness existing. I know the can says liqueur but I really didn’t feel it. Overall, similar to the aroma, a pretty self explanatory flavour. It was still pleasant though.

Bonus: What I thought of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

I visited Cineworld to watch this movie the week it came out to cinemas. In my opinion, Bone Temple was one the best movies of the franchise. It properly captured how dark and low humanity can stoop. Brilliant acting by Ralph Fiennes, Chi Lewis Parry and Alfie Williams. It will be a classic, buzzing for the next release.

Time for my verdict

I feel like when it comes to Tiny Rebel 28 Years Later 2 that I liked the idea of the theme of the beer more than the beer itself. The presentation of this beer was cool and the blood orange colouring was very unique and fitting. However, the flavour lacked much depth and I felt a lot more could have been done with it. Still a nice tasting beer mind you so I still rate this 3 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I purchased this beer from Cheers Wine Merchants. I think it was £3.20 for the can.

Thanks for reading this review. If you enjoyed this review, you will love my review of Firebrick Jaffa Gaffa Orange Kolsch.