Robinsons Brewery Head Brewer Martyn Weeks Talks TROOPER Sun and Steel

We spoke with Robinsons Brewery Head Brewer Martyn Weeks about TROOPER Sun and Steel.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
The concept was devised by Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of metal band Iron Maiden. He has a great friend in Japan who owns a sake brewery and he liked the idea of a fusion brew combining the unique sake flavors with a British beer. I helped to turn this concept into a reality. The first process was to create a recipe for a beer that would complement the delicate sake aroma notes. A Helles style lager was created using a specialist lager yeast strain, which created a smooth, slightly fruity/floral lager. To impart the sake notes we carried out a warm maturation with the sake yeast added prior to the cold lagering stage.   

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?  
I particularly like the delicate flavor and aroma notes, which come from the sake yeast. These flavors come through in the aftertaste, which is extremely satisfying in this age of overpowering hoppy beers.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
A famous (and brilliant) Iron Maiden song.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
I love all beer styles and would really struggle to choose just one! 

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Helles lager beer with delicate sake aftertaste.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This video sums the beer up well:

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Chicken stir fry with noodles.

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