Trooper IPA
 

Review Date 5/25/2022 By John Staradumsky

           

About three weeks ago, I tried my first Robinsons Brewery/Iron Maiden beer in some time: Fear of the Dark Stout. I loved it so much that I immediately went out and bought a bottle of the beer I am here to talk about today, Iron Maiden Trooper IPA. I was excited to try this because it is rare that we see British IPA in the US, at least in Georgia (it is however my recollection that I did not see a lot of it in Rhode Island 23 years ago either). Then too, the stout was so good I had high expectations for the IPA.

I was not disappointed.

Robinsons says on the label:

Iron Maiden and Robinsons brewery team up once again with Trooper IPA a 4.3% ABV golden India Pale Ale packed full of hoppy flavours. This IPA, which is a nod to it’s transatlantic cousins, was brewed by Bruce Dickinson and Martyn Weeks after Bruce had enjoyed some of the rich IPA's that were available during Iron Maiden's Legacy of the Beast world tour in 2019. The perfect seasonable drink to enjoy no matter what the time of year.

A lot to process here folks, but first off, how is this a seasonable drink if it can be enjoyed no matter the time of year? You didn’t think that through, Robinsons. The alcohol content is a little low for an IPA as well. The original IPAs that made the trek from Burton to India were probably somewhat stronger than this, though not as strong as IPA is today in America.

Robinsons does say that they are giving a nod to American IPA with Trooper IPA, though to me the hops are not really consistent with the modern American fruity types, or the classic citrusy/resiny ones. Be that as it may, I really enjoyed this beer.

I have not seen this beer for sale in Georgia, but I did get a bottle from Craftshack.com. I paid $7.10 for my bottle, not much more than the $6.49 Total Wine gets for it where they sell it.

Robinsons Iron Maiden Trooper IPA pours to a brilliant amber color with a light fluffy head formation and a nose of earthy, grassy English hops. Indeed, the hops screamed forth from the bottle as soon as I popped the cap in all their aromatic glory. Taking a sip, the beer is light to medium in body with a bit of biscuity malt laced with a hint of caramel. The hops charge to the fore as they did in the nose, very earthy, very herbal, reminiscent of lemongrass and wintergreen.

Trooper IPA is sublime in its simplicity of a light malt base upon which the hops may be the star. It seemed more English to me than American, and I loved the hell out of it. I think you will, too.  

Glad I tried it?  T

Would I rebuy it??

 

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled, Canned

(D)=Draft





 

Home