The multiple award-winning Trooper beer, which takes its name from the classic Iron Maiden song of the same name, is now available to purchase onboard all Virgin Trains services for the duration of the band’s current sold out Legacy of the Beast UK tour this month, which began in Newcastle last, then Belfast (2 Aug), Aberdeen (4 Aug), Manchester (6 Aug), Birmingham (7 Aug) and London (10 Aug).
Handcrafted by Robinsons, a 180-year-old family run brewery a stone’s throw from Stockport station, the beer has sold well over 20 million pints worldwide since it was launched back in 2013. Band vocalist Bruce Dickinson, a keen real ale enthusiast, was instrumental in the creation of Trooper, a 4.7% golden ale made with a unique blend of Bobek, Goldings and Cascade hops.
To celebrate the launch Dickinson, a qualified airline pilot, travelled up from London to Stockport in the cab of a Virgin Trains Pendolino, before heading on to the band’s show in Newcastle.
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.'
Virgin Trains is committed to working with local suppliers to offer the very best of British produce, with a number of ‘guest’ items on sale at the onboard shops throughout the coming months.
“Based on the first week’s sales, Trooper is proving a big hit with customers,” explained Julie Harper, Food & Beverage Proposition Manager of Virgin Trains. “With the recent hot weather, it’s perfect for sipping at 125mph!”
Fans who share a selfie and tag #TrooperOnTheTrain whilst enjoying a drink onboard will also be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets and First Class rail travel to the bands’ forthcoming show at the O2 Arena in London on Friday 10 August.
David Bremner, Director of Marketing at Robinsons Brewery, added, “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.'