Trooper Red 'n' Black Porter

Trooper Red 'n' Black Porter is brewed in Stockport, England by Robinsons Brewery. According to the label, this 6.8% alcohol Ale is designed by Robinsons' head brewer and by Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden fame. Like other Trooper beers, the 500mL bottle of Red 'n' Black features Iron Maiden's mascot/spokesdemon Eddie charging forward with a tattered Union Jack.

True to its name, Red 'n' Black is very ruddy for a dark ale. It's a clear brew with an off-white head. The beer has a classic English ale aroma--malt-forward, with a hefty elemental note of copper. The taste is similarly constructed, with metallic notes riding atop some earthy, malty rails. There is also a faint chocolate element that starts to manifest in between sips, but becomes more assertive as the beer warms. The mouthfeel of this beer is unusual, with a smooth texture, but one that is a bit too thin.

All told, it was good stuff. Good strength and decent flavour. I was glad that my brother bought me two bottles in exchange for cat-sitting--although his cats did unspeakable urinary things while he was away...

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.