Beer Briefs: Celebrating the Icons Who Built American Craft Beer/ New Iron Maiden Trooper Beer

American Craft Beer|February 4th, 2026|

Most band beers are more co-branding exercises than they are a reflection of any real passion for brewing, but what British Rock legend Iron Maiden has been doing it differently for years. We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more…

New Iron Maiden Trooper Beer

Most band beers, are more co-branding exercises than they are a reflection of any real passion for brewing (at least on the band’s part), but what British Rock legend Iron Maiden has been doing for years is impressive,

And that difference probably comes down to the fact that Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson is a seasoned brewer himself. In 2013 Dickinson personally designed and developed Trooper, a collaboration between Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewery that went on to become an international success and single-handedly launched the band’s Trooper beer line.

The majority of Trooper beers were brewed by Robinsons in the UK. But in 2021 the band collaborated with BrewDog in the US and now in 2026 Iron Maiden has partnered with Lagunitas for its second stateside release.

Crafted with the “hot” new Krush hop variety, Lagunitas Trooper is a 6.6% ABV West Coast Style IPA that will be released around Iron Maiden’s late summer “Run for Your Lives Tour.”

“The challenge of an American beer has long been on top of my ‘To Do’ list,” Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson said. “Lagunitas are a watchword for west coast brewing excellence, and it has been a real highlight working with them on a Trooper taste for both coasts and all states in-between.

Words to Drink By

“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t.” Anthony Bourdain – American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian

Celebrating the Icons Who Built American Craft Beer

The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame has set the stage for its 2026 Induction Ceremony, an annual celebration of the people whose ideas, grit, and passion helped build modern American craft beer. The event is scheduled for February 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT and will be livestreamed worldwide via Craft Beer Professionals.

For those who prefer to raise a glass in good company, several respected breweries across the country will host live watch parties, giving fans and industry folks a chance to tune in together. Participating locations include Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Round Trip Brewing in East Cobb, Atlanta, Georgia; Breakside Brewing in Portland, Oregon; and Hailstorm Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, Illinois.

This year’s class of nominees showcases the wide-ranging talent and influence that have fueled American craft beer for decades. The 2026 ballot features a lineup of industry heavyweights and trailblazers: Charlie Bamforth, Larry Bell, Sam Calagione, Ray Daniels, Teri Fahrendorf, Kim Jordan, Garrett Oliver, Pete Slosberg, Mitch Steele, and Carol Stoudt.

“These nominees each deserve recognition for their incredible contributions and advocacy,” said Marty Nachel, Founder and President of the Hall of Fame. “From brewing innovation and education to business leadership and cultural impact, every one of them has made a lasting mark on American craft beer. We’re proud to have the opportunity to welcome more of these pioneers into the Hall.”

The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame was created to preserve and celebrate the story of craft beer in the United States by honoring the people who built the movement and helped it thrive. Each year’s Induction Ceremony brings together brewers, industry professionals, and beer lovers to reflect on where craft beer has been — and where it’s headed next.

The induction ceremony was live streamed on Saturday, Feb. 15^th, from five breweries across the country, including Bierstadt Lagerhaus (Denver), Deschutes Brewery (Portland), Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton), Dovetail Brewery (Chicago), and New Realm Brewing (Atlanta).