October 18th, 2024 - The Troopers

 

Hey there metal maniacs!  How about a double dose of Eddie to start the weekend off?  That's right... the Meista is here with Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" Maxi Single and a Trooper Premium British Beer, an ale created by Iron Maiden and brewed by Robinson Brewery!!  This pairing goes out to my buddy Todd, who is seeing the mighty Maiden tonight!!  Hell yeah!!

Album Info:

• Artist: Iron Maiden
• Title: "The Trooper" Maxi Single
• Recorded: 1983
• Release date: June 20th, 1983 (9th single released by Iron Maiden)
• Record company: EMI 
• Production: Martin Birch
• Album cover art: Derek Riggs 
• Personnel: Bruce Dickinson (lead vocals), Steve Harris (bass guitar), Nicko McBrain (drums), Dave Murray (guitars), and Adrian Smith (guitars)
• Musical style: Heavy metal
• Sound: Fast-paced and characterized by galloping bass work, soaring guitars, thunderous drums, and Dickinson's explosive vocals, "The Trooper" is not only definitive Maiden, but definitive early '80s metal in general!  And the cover of Jethro Tull's "Cross-Eyed Mary" is excellent!
• Major themes: Based on the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava in 1854, themes on "The Trooper" include war, violence, death, history, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "The Trooper"
2. "Cross-Eyed Mary" (Jethro Tull cover)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Robinson Brewery (Stockport, England)
• Website: robinsonsbrewery.com    
• Brew: Trooper Premium British Beer
• Style: Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB)  
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 4.7%
• Ingredients:  Brewed with roasted malts along with Bobec, Goldings, and Cascade hops
• Pour: Trooper pours a clear, deep copper hue with a 1-finger white head.
• Nose: The nose is both malty and hoppy and slightly fruity with notes of freshly baked bread, roasted nuts, apple and a slight hint of lemon zest. 
• Taste: The Trooper is definitely a true English ale with a good balance of hops and malts and true "depth of character."  
• Mouthfeel: It is medium-bodied and moderately carbonated.  It is very smooth and easy drinking with a nice, clean and hoppy finish.
• Notes: Trooper Premium British Beer was not only inspired by "The Trooper," but vocalist Bruce Dickinson played a major role in the development of this classic English ale.  "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."

Overall pairing: Visually and theoretically speaking, this pairing is obvious.  And coming in at only 4.7% ABV, you can through back a few of these easy drinking Troopers whilst pumping your fist and banging your head to the might and brilliance that is Iron Maiden's "The Trooper" Maxi Singl!!

UP THE IRONS!!!  Cheers!!