If you hadn't already heard, Brewery Ommegang and HBO partnered on a series of beers inspired by the critically-acclaimed drama Game of Thrones.
The first release, the golden amber Iron Throne ale, sold out quickly due to small quantities and great demand. The second, soon to be released "Take The Black Stout", is said to be doubled in volume, so there's enough to go around for avid fans.
Take the Black Stout is a 7% beer, brewed with base, caramel, chocolate and roasted barley malts. Hopping includes Great Northern hops; spices are licorice root and star anise. Hue is black with full tan head. Aromas include chocolate, caramel, and earthy hops, light roastiness, a touch of fruitiness. Tastes include chocolate, coffee, rich malts, and balanced roastiness. Clean hop bitterness joins with slight woody character and spiciness; the finish offers sweet malt character leading to spicy, earthy, hop bitterness.
Take the Black Stout is named for the oath taken by those who stand the Night’s Watch at the Wall, defending Westeros against northern.
above: The label features the Weirwood trees considered sacred by the people of the North. It was designed by a52, the same studio that designed the impressive opening sequence for "Game of Thrones."
above: screengrab of a Weirwood tree from Game of Thrones
Take The Black Stout will be available in limited quantities in 750ml bottles & 1/6 BBL kegs beginning October 2013.
Brewery Ommengang and HBO are said to be releasing four game of Thrones Beers in total.
If you never heard about the first release, Iron Throne Ale, here's some info and pics for you:
Iron Throne is a blonde ale at 6.5% ABV and brewed with a robust amount of pils, honey malt, aroma malts and red wheat. Gentle hopping includes Styrian Golding and Hallertau Spalter Select, appropriately noble hops. Spiced with grains of paradise and lemon peel. Hue is a slightly hazy golden amber. Head is full and fluffy. Finish is crisp, backed by a touch of spice and hops. Aroma is a bit grassy with a hint of lemon fruitiness from the lemon peel. Taste is lightly malty, rounded out by honey malt sweetness.
info and images courtesy of Ommengang Brewery.
As a fun aside, check out this "Beer of Thrones" parody video by Comediva:
Don't miss this post on Geekologie where they share some fun faux beer labels inspired by fantasy drama.
