North East Beer Review

Surprisingly, this is the first time trying both Two Flints and SOMA and what better way to do this, than allowing both brewers to showcase their hop specialist talents. With Two Flints based in Windsor and Soma based in Girona, this brings together the best of British and Spanish brewing to create Surviving The Times. So what did I think? Throughout this review I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.

Two hop forward brewers collide

Two Flints was founded by brewer Alex Kerr in late 2022. Opening in Windsor, Berkshire, the idea began several years earlier when Alex discovered home brewing whilst living in Singapore. Inspired by the modern craft beer scene and a passion for hop-forward styles, he returned to the UK with the ambition of creating a brewery focused on producing world-class hazy IPAs, pale ales and lagers. The brewery operates beneath Windsor Central Station within the railway arches and has a reputation for its high quality brews. A combination of science, creativity and specialist equipment allow for the creation aromatic hop forward ales.

SOMA is a craft brewery based in Girona, Spain. Soma has built an international reputation for producing expressive, modern beers with a particular focus on hazy IPAs, Double IPAs and pale ales. The brewery is recognised for using premium hop varieties from New Zealand, the USA and Australia to create beers packed with tropical fruit aromas, soft mouthfeel and excellent drinkability. Through collaborations with respected breweries across Europe, Soma has become one of Spain’s most highly regarded modern craft breweries.

Surviving The Times is an 8% ABV Double IPA that showcases the hop forward strengths of both brewers. Hopped with Wai iti, Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin hops, this aims to combine brewing expertise, hop varieties and shared ideas into this limited edition brew. This utilises SOMA’s techniques of using chit malt and chloride heavy water to create a full and fluffy feel. It represents the modern UK and European craft beer movement, where collaboration beers celebrate innovation while allowing breweries to learn from one another.

A thick and juicy pour

Surviving The Times pours an opaque yellow to golden colour which has that thick mango juice like texture. A thick, creamy white head forms immediately, which slowly settles into a persistent cap. Fine carbonation rises steadily through the dense haze, while the beer leaves impressive sheets of lacing around the glass with every sip. This is almost the textbook example of what you would expect from a hop forward hazy double IPA, a delicious looking pour.

An intense and tropical experience

Aroma

Surviving The Times opens with an intense hop forward aroma. This includes vibrant waves of mango, pineapple and passion fruit which is followed by stonefruit and orange to lemon notes. As the beer warms up, notes of white grape and melon emerge. Beneath this immensely fruit character is a soft and smooth malt base which accompanies a slight floral nature. The alcohol notes are quite integrated despite being 8%. A very expressive and hop forward aroma.

Taste

The first sip delivers a burst of tropical fruit, with flavours of mango, pineapple, peach and passion fruit taking centre stage. Layers of juicy orange, tangerine and hints of grapefruit add brightness, while a gentle resinous character provides balance. The mouthfeel is soft and pillowy with a creamy texture. The malt base adds a gentle touch of sweetness along with floral and grape notes. The finish is clean and left a lingering bitterness in your mouth. The result of all this is a dangerously drinkable Double IPA that combines huge hop flavour with excellent balance and drinkability.

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Time for my verdict

To conclude this review, I thought this brew was an absolute masterpiece in hop forward expression with the tropical fruits being centre stage with balance being brought by the surrounding flavours. Surviving the Times was dangerously drinkable and honestly I could have easily sunk 5-6 cans of this. I feel this was superb first impression of both brewers and I will be looking out for more. Overall, I rate this a great 4.75 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from Market Hall Wines located within the Durham Market Hall. I definitely recommend a visit due the wide variety and friendly customer service.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed my review, you will love my review of Garage Beer Co Palomar.