Following on from the success of
Build A Rocket Boys!, the beer made in consultation with the band Elbow, Robinson's of Stockport have teamed up with another band, Iron Maiden, and the result is Trooper. Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden lead singer, is very enthusiastic about the project:
"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."
The beer is a no nonsense 4.7%, as opposed to Elbow's 4.0%, and is named after an Iron Maiden song, The Trooper, which was inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade. More info here, including a short video in which Bruce talks about the new beer, and here's an article from Classic Rock magazine. 4.7% is about my favourite strength, so I'm looking forward to trying it.
For obvious reasons they couldn't call it "Headbanger" ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Elbow beer is widely thought of as a bit bland, but that hasn't stopped it being very successful.
Also interesting how supposedly fuddy-duddy old Robinson's are getting these gigs...
They decided against selling an alcopop with the name "Bring your Daughter to the Slaughter" then.
ReplyDeleteFew things make me laugh out loud, but that did, CL.
ReplyDeleteCurmudgeon: I agree about the Elbow being a bit bland, but blandness seems to sell nowadays. Yes, surprising about good old Robbies!
The new generation in charge of Robinson's - Oliver and William - do come across as very clued-up and with a clear vision of how they want to take the company forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it'll taste oddly similar to all the rest of Robinson's beer. I swear to god they only have one recipe, which they dilute and colour as appropriate to make Unicorn, 1892, Dizzy Blonde, Double Hop etc.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you may be right.
ReplyDelete