Did New York’s Ommegang brewery really need to do a Game of Thrones series of beers? Of course not; they are certainly capable of standing on their own wonderful reputation. Still, if there is any brewery that should be called on to do this, it is Ommegang. The series of beers has been amazing, and I’ve not been disappointed in any that I have tried.

Tonight I’m here to tell you about Ommegang Mother of Dragons Smoked Porter & Kriek Ale Blend. As far as I know, this is the first blended beer in the line, and while I am generally not a fan of purchasing blended beers (if I wantto mix two beers, I’ll do it myself), this one intrigued me enough to take the plunge. I wasn’t disappointed.

In a press release last summer. Ommegang said this about the beer:

We’re pleased to announce the release of Mother of Dragons, the third of four special beers that comprise the Game of Thrones-inspired Royal Reserve Collection. Inspired by Daenerys Targaryen, this blend of a smoked porter and a Belgian kriek represents the smoke and fire that Daenerys has unleashed on her opponents during her ascent to conquer and rule the seven kingdoms.  The beer will be available nationwide on September 28.

And from the label:

As the war for the seven kingdoms rages to a climax, Ommegang presents the “Royal Reserve Collection”. This collection of four exclusive and extremely limited release ales, available in 2018, is brewed as an home to the four epic figures still standing against the annihilation of mankind.

“Mother of Dragons”-a beer for Daenerys-is a richly complex blend of smoked porter and Belgian kriek. It pours a deep ruby brown with alluring aromas of tart cherry, dark roast, and hints of smoke.

“Mother of Dragons” is the third release in our royal reserve collection. These are beers representing what a court brewer would offer a noble lord or lady. Perfect balance and pure drinking pleasure.

Ommegang Mother of Dragons Smoked Porter & Kriek Ale Blend is an entry in the brewery’s Game of Thrones Royal reserve Collection. The brewery suggests a list price of $12.99 for the 750ML bottle but I got one for $9.49 at Target. The beer has an alcohol content of 6.6% by volume.

Ommegang Mother of Dragons Smoked Porter & Kriek Ale Blend pours to a jet-black color with a thick towering head of foam and an inviting nose that offers subtle smoke and tart cherry. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth and drinkable in the palate but firm in body, permeated with sour dark cherry flavor and tartness. The subtle smoke of the porter is more apparent in the nose, but the porter’s chocolate notes meld wonderfully with the tart cherry in the palate. The beer finishes tart and refreshing at the last.

My one critique here is that the smoke is too subtle in the palate; indeed, it’s barely perceptible. A beer named for a Mother of Dragons should certainly have more smoke than this (especially if you’re using it as a gimmick to represent dragons in your beer). That said, I would certainly drink this beer again. I loved it to the last drop, and certainly recommend it.

Is this a smoked porter, a kriek, or something entirely different? Given the prominence of the kriek fruit and tartness, I’ll peg it as such. Your mileage may vary.

No offense given to Daenerys Targaryen, as I really enjoy your beer oh mother of dragons. That said, Tyrion Lannister is more akin to me truth be told. As does he, I drink beer, and I know things.



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