Are you a fan of the music of the band Iron Maiden? I will confess that I'm not. Mind you, I don't dislike it, I'm just not a fan, and yes both of those things can be true at once. That said, I am an Iron Maiden fan, though, because both Iron Maiden and I are fans of beer. Iron Maiden, in fact, has created and commissioned several beers in the past through Robinson's brewery of England, but for 2026, they have a new one brewed by Lagunitas: Trooper West Coast IPA Created by Iron Maiden.
I picked up a six of this beer at Total Wine a few days ago and popped one open the following night. I expected a light and refreshing, drinkable brew, but got one with lots of flavor, too. Obviously, this beer will have an appeal to Iron Maiden fans, but it is a beer that everyone can enjoy, and I must say that I definitely loved it.
Lagunitas has certainly done West Coast IPAs before, but to my recollection this may be the lightest in body. Trooper West Coast IPA Created by Iron Maiden has an alcohol content of 6.6% by volume with 55 IBUs. My cans are stamped 060826 on the bottom.
About Lagunitas Brewery
The Lagunitas Brewing Company began on a kitchen stove in Northern California in 1993 and has been crafting hop-forward beers ever since. Welcoming the open-minded with open taps and simple truths: Beer Speaks (for itself), Life Is Uncertain (don't sip), and It's Good To Have Friends.
Lagunitas Trooper West Coast IPA in a Lagunitas Brewing Glass
Tasting Notes
Lagunitas Trooper West Coast IPA Created by Iron Maiden pours to a hazy pale yellow color with a thick head of foam and a nose of citrusy grapefruit with just a hint of resin. Taking a sip, the beer is light to medium in body, lighter than I expected based on the strength. The beer drinks like a session IPA, but it is not one and is certainly not short on flavor. It immediately pops with citrusy grapefruit rind and pulp with a touch of resin. It finishes pleasantly bitter with grapefruit zest, rather much so, and that really makes the beer quite quenching and drinkable. I didn't get the dankness so much, even though Lagunitas calls it unmistakable, but they are not kidding about the grapefruit notes.
Value & Verdict
I paid $11.99 for a six-pack at Total Wine which does not seem a bad price these days.
Very refreshing with a delicious grapefruit zest bitter finish. Drink it fresh, as I'm betting this will not hold out past six months.
