Iron Maiden’s Trooper beer on pour onboard Virgin Trains

Heavy metal group Iron Maiden and Stockport brewery Robinsons have partnered with Virgin Trains to launch Trooper beer onboard all trains for the duration of the band’s Legacy of the Beast UK tour.

Image: John McMurtie

The beer, a 4.7% cask ale which is made by Robinsons, has surpassed the 20 million pint mark since it was launched back in 2013. 

Made with a blend of Bobek, Goldings and Cascade hops, the golden ale has since been joined by Light Brigade, a 4.1% golden ale brewed to support charity Help The Heroes.

Robinsons has also produced limited editions of Trooper including Hallowed, a 6% Belgian style beer, Trooper 666 and Red ‘N’ Black Porter.

To celebrate the partnership with Virgin Trains, Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who is also a qualified airline pilot, travelled from London to Stockport in the cab of a Virgin Trains Pendolino.

Dickinson said: “I’m delighted that our fans will be able to share a Trooper or two together whilst travelling to and from Iron Maiden shows around the UK this summer”.

Julie Harper, food and beverage proposition manager of Virgin Trains added: “Based on the first week’s sales, Trooper is proving a big hit with customers. With the recent hot weather, it’s perfect for sipping at 125mph!”

Beer fans who share a selfie on social media with the hashtag #TrooperOnTheTrain while enjoying the drink onboard will also be in with a chance of winning two first class tickets to the band’s show at the O2 Arena in London on 10 August.

David Bremner, director of marketing at Robinsons Brewery, said: “It’s fantastic that Virgin Trains have chosen to stock Trooper. Our brewery is within sight of Stockport train station and I’m sure that both Iron Maiden fans and beer drinkers in general will be excited that our fantastic beer is available on board”.