Try?
So what’s the deal with Game of Thrones? OK, I’ll admit that I watch the HBO show of the same name, though I haven’t read the books upon which it is based. The show has a veritable legion of rabid fans, although I’m not one of them. Sure, I like it well enough, but if you ask me it drags at times and although again, I enjoy it, it’s not always up to the hype.
That said, I was still pretty excited when I heard that Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, New York was doing a series of brews with a Game of Thrones theme. The first of these, Iron Throne Blonde Ale, was released just prior to the season 3 premiere in March of 2013. It flew off store shelves, and I never managed to find any.
In September, though, I did get a bottle of the second release in the series: Ommegang Game of Thrones Take the Black Stout. This is a spiced stout of strength 7% by volume. I paid $9.99 for the crown corked 750 ML bottle, and hung onto it about seven months before drinking. Ommegang says they brewed twice as much Take the Black Stout as they did Iron Throne Ale to meet demand. They describe the beer mostly in terms of the HBO series:
Inspired by the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, Take the Black Stout was made to be deep, dark and complex like those who have sworn the oath to defend Westeros against threats from the north. The label depicts the Weirwood tree where Jon Snow recited the oath before joining the Night’s Watch.
Ommegang Game of Thrones Take the Black Stout pours to a jet black color with a thick towering head of creamy tan foam and an amazingly inviting nose of roasted malts and licorice. Taking a sip, this one first reminds me of Guinness in its seductive, slightly sour dark black maltiness. The difference, though, is the really explosive licorice flavors. They’re all over this beer, and I like that, because I love licorice. The beer finishes slightly roasty, coffeeish, and a little sour with more licorice and a hint of grassy hops.
Can I say that Ommegang Game of Thrones Take the Black Stout is better than the TV show? I will, and I could drink it forever. But of course one would expect no less from Ommegang. Now excuse me. I hear the next release in the series, Fire and Blood Red Ale is out, and I’m off to get a bottle.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
