Iron Maiden to create new beer
Iron Maiden have turned their attention from heavy metal to hops – to create their own beer.
The iconic British rock band, who have sold more than 85m records worldwide, have teamed up with Stockport brewery Robinsons to compose the new cask and bottle ale Trooper.
They follow in the footsteps of chart toppers Elbow, who in 2011 released an ale called Build A Rocket Boys with the six generation family brewers on Lower Hillgate.
Iron Maiden’s brew is named after one of their most popular songs Trooper, written by bassist Steve Harris and inspired by Tennyson’s Charge of the Brigade.
Real ale fan and lead singer Bruce Dickinson helped develop the unique flavour of the beer.
He said: “I’m a lifelong fan of traditional English ale; I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when we were asked to create our own beer. I have to say that I was very nervous.
“Robinsons are the only people I have had to audition for in 30 years. Their magic has been to create the alchemical wedding of flavour and texture that is Trooper. I love it.”
Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie, a zombie-like figure which has adorned all the band’s artwork, will feature on the bottle label and cask pump clip.
Oliver Robinson, managing director of Robinsons, who celebrate their 175th anniversary this year, said: “This collaboration – between two huge British success stories – makes for an ideal and natural match. Bruce Dickinson loves his real ale, and Robinsons Brewery is one of Britain’s most established and respected independent family-owned brewers.
“Trooper is a premium British ale with true depth of character and flavour. Not only do Iron Maiden genuinely enjoy a good pint of cask ale, but so do many of their fans – and they have an important part to play in our customer base.
“This partnership works for both of us. Music and beer are great treats for the senses in their own right, but the combination is very powerful.
“Authentic collaborations such as this are invaluable not only to our company but to the industry as a whole, because it shows that the world of real ale is more than just manufacturing, it is liquid artistry by the people who brew it and for the people who drink it.”
The 4.7 per cent handcrafted beer will be available from May via ironmaidenbeer.com and available in selected Robinsons pubs.
Article found at Lancashire Evening Post
