Bomber of the Month: April
Robinson's Brewery The Trooper
By: André DiMattia
Published: 4/3/2014
Regular Price:
$6.99
Sale Price:
$4.99
Sale End:
4/30/2014
ABV:
4.7
With an interest in British history and a desire for real English Ales, the partnership of the Robinson Brewery and the legendary metal band; Iron Maiden make up the driving force behind The Tropper. Brewed in honor of the famous song of the same name, The Tropper pays tribute to the furious ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimeria War. The song remembers the intrepid fury of the British soldiers that were sent to their almost complete demise while facing unrealistic odds. It brings a sense of honor while hosting a tribute, a toast of sorts, and now something that can be solidified with shared comradely given that a beer has been brewed to further that degree of pride.
The Robinson Brewery collaborated with Iron Maiden front man Bruce Dickenson to conceptualize all that went into making The Trooper a reality. Appreciation for both history and the fundamentals of classic English Ale are met in an alliance that is satisfying with heroic sort.
Robinson’s 175-years of brewing knowledge come out in full force as the classic English Bitter Ale is modernized from the unique blend of Bobec, Golding and Cascade hops. An enticing aroma of granola, red apples, sweet potato and sliced oranges fill the air once the beer is first poured. The yeast properties aren’t overwhelming but certainly add a rounding edge to the fruity and slight vegetal undertones to the beer. The obvious smell of sweetened barley malt brings a comforting level of earthiness that transition nicely into quality near that of loose-leaf tea. Minty and almost woody, The Trooper riles up the senses with awareness and leads into fury of the first sip.
On to the Tasting Notes:
Mineral driven and long with citrus and sourdough bread flavors, the initial mouthful is thirst quenching and rounded with that English sort of directness that is so pleasant in their beers. Malt levels are high but never feel sugary, bitterness arises mid-palate and cuts through the biscuit and pastry notes adding to a finish that lingers with precision. Carbonation is smooth on the tongue and catches its stride with energy near the back end of the throat as the bubbles arise and cascade around the palate. Pine and marmalade flavors present themselves and last beyond the sweet moments of the initial sip. A beer that can begin the evening and hold steady until the last round; the sort of Ale that is worthy of respectful notice both a proper nodding or a blatant (musically engaged) banging of the head.
Food Pairing:
With nutty malt undertones and a pleasing edge of citrus, The Tropper is a playful beer for food pairing. Casual enough for simple sandwiches at lunch or warm squash soup with a dash of cream, even a chilled lentil and shaved fennel salad. Versatile but still interesting while retaining a pleasing degree of rounded flavors. Bangers and mash are always on the mind when an English Bitter such as this crosses one’s path. Fried foods are an easy and simple way to make a pairing shine with roasted game birds, mustard and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts with roasted beets and walnuts being a refined option. Cheeses high in salt and savory umami flavors will easily find a friendship with The Trooper. Raise a pint and turn up the volume, The Trooper deserves proper attention.
“So when you’re waiting for the next attack, you’d better stand there’s no turning back!”