Iron Maiden Add ‘Hallowed’ Belgian-Styled Beer to Line of Signature Trooper Brews
Over the last few years, the number of bands releasing their own signature beers has been steadily on the rise. Iron Maiden have been among the most successful as Trooper Ale alone has sold over 15 million pints worldwide since its release in 2013. Never ones to rest on their laurels, Eddie and the boys are keeping the cold ones coming as they've just announced Hallowed, a Belgian-styled beer developed once again by Bruce Dickinson and Robinsons Brewery.
Hallowed comes after the release of not just Trooper Ale, but the Red 'N' Black Porter and Trooper 666. Eddie is once again featured on the label, this time donning a traditional monk's robe in tribute to the Trappist monastic brewing tradition of Belgium. The beer packs six percent ABV, a quality attributed to the yeast used in the brewing process.
"What makes this brew pretty special is that we’re adopting a Belgian yeast for the first time. I’m a big fan of Belgian beers, so I jumped at the chance to brew my own. While I get very excited about experimenting with new formulas and ingredients, the thing about Belgian beer is that it’s as much a way of life as it is a drink. We’ve tried to bottle that philosophy in Hallowed, albeit with a British twist," commented Dickinson.
Martyn Weeks, Head Brewer at Robinsons Brewery, further explained, “It’s all in the yeast. Belgian yeast yields a very distinct taste and presentation. You can sniff out a Belgian beer simply from its aromas: fruity, spicy and earthy. Belgian yeasts withstand higher alcohol levels, they attenuate well and create an array of phenolics and esters… put simply, this means more flavor and I think Hallowed drinkers are in for a treat.”
Hallowed is set to arrive in October — just in time for All Hallows' Eve or just coincidence? Fans looking to imbibe this special brew will have to act quickly as it will only be available in a limited four month run. Presumably, Maiden will have another addition to announce in due time.
As Iron Maiden have been trekking around the globe in support of The Book of Souls, select tour stops have also featured special Trooper parties, where fans can engage in a VIP pre-show experience with other headbangers at designated bars where Trooper beer is readily on hand. They'll wrap up touring for the year in Brooklyn, N.Y. later in July and a list of remaining stops can be found here.
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