Game of Thrones fans who love beer can celebrate the start of Season 5 of the hit series with a new brew. Cooperstown, New York’s Brewery Ommegang has announced their fifth beer in their Game of Thrones line. The beer, to be released in the spring just before Game of Thrones fifth season begins, is called Three Eyed Raven.
Ommegang has produced this line of beers in partnership with HBO. The first brew in the Game of Thrones line, Iron Throne Blonde Ale, was released in the spring of 2013. According to Fast Company , the brew sold out in a matter of weeks . The next brews in the line, Take the Black Stout and Fire and Blood Red Ale, also sold out very quickly. Ommegang’s fourth Game of Thrones beer, Valar Morghulis Dubbel Ale, has been brewed in four times the quantity of Iron Throne, and it is on its way to selling out as well.
HBO’s vice president of global licensing, Josh Goodstadt, told Fast Company that the idea for the Game of Thrones beers came from the show’s producers. He said that producing the beers at a microbrewery, rather than by a large brewer, is a better fit for the show.
“There’s a nice crossover between ‘Game of Thrones’ fans who are passionate and sophisticated, and craft beer drinkers who are passionate and sophisticated. We wanted an authentic craft beer maker and that’s part of the process in working with Ommegang. We might’ve been open to the idea of rebranding one of their existing beers, but we both were very excited at the idea of creating something brand new.”
Ommegang describes Three Eyed Raven on their blog .
“Like its predecessors, the beer is inspired by themes and plot points from the award-winning HBO series. As season four wound down, the storyline of Bran and the three-eyed raven reached a shocking climax that portends dark and momentous events in store for the people of Westeros. A dark take on the classic saison style seemed most appropriate for the latest beer.”
The latest Game of Thrones brew is a saison. Beer Advocate describes Saisons as “sturdy farmhouse ale[s]” that are brewed in the winter and meant to be enjoyed in the summer. They note that the style had almost disappeared, but has regained popularity, especially in the U.S.
Ommegang’s Three Eyed Raven saison will have an alcohol content of 7.2 percent. Stronger than their first Game of Thrones brew, but not quite as strong as the current Valar Morghulis offering. The brewery describes what you can expect from this beer.
“Saison qualities dominate Three-Eyed Raven with fruity esters, clean floral hops aromas, a light malt character with just a hint of roast and a pleasant yeastiness in the taste, and a crisp finish with lingering herbal hops and dry rye notes. The label art, which features the three-eyed raven, was created using an actual concept design illustration from the series.”
Game of Thrones fans can enjoy their beer as they watch Season 5, and with the alcohol content of Three Eyed Raven, it might be best to enjoy it at home, if you are planning on having more than one or two. The expected price tag of $9.50 a bottle may make you want to slow down and enjoy it a bit more, as well.
The Inquisitr recently reported that leaked photos and videos show scenes from Season 5 that will certainly have fans anxiously waiting for the premier. With Ommegang’s new Three Eyed Raven beer set to accompany the new season, beer fans have another reason to be excited for the coming of spring.
[Image via HBO/Brewery Ommegang]