As if being the consummate heavy metal frontman, pilot, broadcaster, railway enthusiast and foil-brandishing fencer wasn't enough for Bruce Dickinson, he can now add brewer to his rather capacious CV.

Iron Maiden have worked with Stockport-based brewers Robinsons to create their own real ale: Trooper is a cask and bottled beer that's an "alchemical wedding of flavour and texture", according to Dickinson.

He goes on: "I'm a lifelong fan of traditional English ale; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when we were asked to create our own beer. I have to say that I was very nervous: Robinsons are the only people I have had to audition for in 30 years [...] I love it."

Here he is being walked through the brewing process:

Oliver Robinson, managing director of the brewers, who also worked with Elbow on their 'build a rocket boys!' beer, says: "Trooper is a premium British ale with true depth of character and flavour", adding, "[n]ot only do Iron Maiden genuinely enjoy a good pint of cask ale, but so do many of their fans."

Trooper Premium British Beer will be available from May; head to its own website (currently down) for more details. And in the meantime...