REVIEW: Ommegang Iron Throne

I've beer waiting to get my hands on this beer since it was announced. If you've been following this blog for a while you saw a taste of my Song of Ice and Fire nerdery back when I talked about New Holland's Dragon's Milk. But that beer only had a dragon on the label. This one has the Iron Throne of Westeros! Forged by Aegon the Conqueror out of the swords of his defeated enemies! Seriously, it's pretty cool seeing a craft brewer get involved in a big marketing thing like this. Usually this is the domain of the big boys. But really, do you think they're drinking macro lager at Castle Black, or Dragonstone, or across the Narrow Sea? Of course they aren't! They're drinking fine hearty ales. Perhaps something like this. A 6.5% Belgian style golden ale from Ommegang, out of Cooperstown New York. When this beer was announced I found it a bit odd that Ommegang went with a golden ale. I don't know if it quite fits with the show. Winter is coming and all that. I thought that it would make more sense if it was a hearty black ale. But once I thought about it I sort of got where Ommegang was coming from. This is a perfect beer for spring. And since this beer is being released in concurrence with the premiere of season three this coming Sunday a lighter beer, appropriate for spring, makes a whole lot of sense. Also, I imagine this beer will be sought out by a whole lot of people who are fans of the show who may or may not be craft beer enthusiasts. It makes sense that Ommegang would go with a style that's a bit more approachable. I'm excited for this one. To the beer!

Iron Throne pours a pours a slightly hazed pale coppery gold. It's topped by a towering layer of fluffy, resilient bone white foam that laces beautifully on the way down.

Plenty of fruity notes of zesty, citrusy lemon burst out of the top of the glass. A spicy note is accented by more fruity hints of grapefruit, white grape, a bit of bubble gum, and a nice grassy, herbal hop character.

Iron Throne is light to medium in body with a lovely, spritzy creaminess. Powdery, citrusy lemon flavors are contrasted by herbal, grassy hops. Subtle flavors of lemon, white grape, pear, and grapefruit add an understated complexity. A robust bitterness gives a nice crisp finish. Very balanced, very drinkable.

I quite enjoyed this one. Light, drinkable, but still quite flavorful with a nice, bracing bitter finish. After getting hooked on Game of Thrones after the first season I immediately went out and read all five books. With that knowledge in hand I can say that this season should be incredible. If you thought the first two seasons were shocking and mind blowing, you have no idea. Everybody go watch and read so we can talk about it!

HD