As with the last few years, Tiny Rebel did a selection box.
Unlike the last couple of years, while the selection box contained twelve cans, they doubled up on each specific beer, so there were only actually six distinct types of beer in the box.
While I think this was probably a good thing for the average quality of each individual drink1, I also think it was probably a net negative for this blog post.
After all, quantity has a quality of it’s own.
Parley - Caribbean Smoothie (5.8%)
Based only on the can and the name, I was expecting this to be like a Clwb Tropica.
However, it’s nothing like one - almost like a NEIPA; thick and dense.
Heavilly Mango on the nose, crisp on the tongue, fairly tart, fruity aftertaste.
It’s also bordering on creamy; I’m pretty sure I can taste the lactose.
They’re commiting to the “Smoothie” half of the brief more than the “Caribbean” half.
Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised.
Live Laugh Love - Dubai Chocolate Stout (6%)
I don’t feel particularly qualified to weigh in on the whole “Dubai Chocolate” thing, other than to state the uncontroversial opinion that influencers, by and large, are terrible.
As milk stouts go, this is perfectly fine.
Strongly chocolate, the pistachio mostly comes in on the after taste.
The pistachio flavour’s there, but I wouldn’t place money on being able to name the flavour in a blind test2, it’s subtle, but definitely slightly nutty.
Shake It Off - Citra & Mosaic Hardshake Neipa (4.5%)
My relationship with NEIPAs is a bit of a love story.
There was period where the market felt saturated with intense bitter IPAs, after which NEIPAs, similarly full boddied, but typically Juicy rather than Bitter, hit different.
During the first few sips, I thought hold on, this is dangerously close that the old-school-IPA hoppy style, with a fair amount of bitterness.
As I kept sipping, and my pallet adjusted, pretty soon it got better, and it wound out tasting floral, delicate, almost like honey.
Stay Puft Irish Cream - Imperial Marshmallow Porter (8.4%)
Over the years, Tiny Rebel have done a number of variations on their Stay Puft Marshmallow Porter.
At 8.5% this is clearly a fair bit stronger than the original Stay Puft, but I’m not sure that actually comes across in the flavour profile.
“Imperial Stouts” generally feel like you’re drinking two beers at once: they’re rich, they knock you out, whereas this seems alarmingly like it could sneak up on you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a rich beer, but it doesn’t feel like it’s “Pushing 10% rich”.
The flavours of Irish Cream are there, but they’re not overpowering, it’s principally a porter, with just a hint of hint of Baileys that catches you on the back foot.
I’m a fan of a dark beer, so I think this is lovely, but it’s also dangerous.
Quaid. Start the Reactor - West Coast American IPA (6.6%)
“Now this is the plan: get your ass to Mars”
Intensely hoppy, almost overwhelmingly so, but floral rather than bitter,
Rich too - heavy.
While the flavour profile of the hops has a whole lot going on, the end result is not particularly subtle.
I initially worried this was going to be a bit much, but I think you have to be willing to open your mind to it.
The Rippler - White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake Fruited Pale Ale (5%)
Definitely does what it says on the tin.
It’s another lactose heavy beer.
Fruity, the flavour of raspberry hits front and center, and then mingles with a bunch of creamy notes on the aftertaste.
There’s a little bit of a sparkle to it, but not a lot.
Little bit of sweetness, but not too much.
Surprisingly crisp, given the creamy flavours.
The colour is distinctly murky, but the flavours work well together.