Review: Robinsons Brewery Iron Maiden Trooper Red ’N’ Black Porter

Thanks to my mom for picking this beer up for me in Mexico a few months ago - she always likes to bring back some interesting beers on her trips to Mexico as souvenirs, though in this case she wasn’t really able to find any local/regional craft beer (doesn’t help when she’s shopping at Walmart).

Today's sampling is Iron Maiden's Trooper Red 'N' Black Porter brewed by Robinsons Brewery in the UK. I've reviewed a good number of beers collaborated with musicians - such as Megadeth's beers with Unibroue, and Rush's beers with Henderson Brewing. From the label: The colour? It's not just black.. it's red too. The red & black! Or Red 'N' Black as I would say" -Bruce Dickinson

The beer gets its red and black colour from the blend of chocolate and crystal malt. Robinson's yeast provides hints of both liquorice and honey character. 6.8% ABV

Appearance: The appearance is pretty much black and red, just as described. The beer pours a deep black body but the second it hits any light, it’s a deep ruby red hue to it. The head starts out pretty thick with a creamy beige hue to it but dininishes pretty much immediately, though it leaves behind a bit of foam at the side of the glass.

Aroma: Decently sweet with notes of caramel/honey, a mild roasted malt presence to give it a slight bit of coffee-like presence, a hint of raisin, and a hint of toffee that deriviates from the caramel. 

Taste: It’s got a roasted malt presence to give it off a bit of coffee, notes of caramel, honey, a hint of plum and raisin. The best before date was a month ago and there’s a slight sourness to it that gives off a vibe that this is past its prime.. which is a shame as usually a dark ale/porter like this wouldn’t usually give off that kind of oxidization until later on. Fairly watery on the palate, leaves behind a mild roasted malt aftertaste at the end. 

Overall Thoughts: This was only purchased a few months ago and the best before date was only last month - it was fine but it definitely tasted like it lived its entire life on a hot shelf exposed to lighting 24/7.. but well, this was purchased from a Walmart, so that’s probably it.