The latest beverage collaboration between the hit show and Ommegang might be their finest yet
The best beers incorporate a sense of place, a local style, and if possible local ingredients. Ommegang have for a few years now been striving to represent the flavors of a far flung land indeed, Westeros. Inspired by the locations, characters, and events of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, these tasty beverages have impressed, only now with the end of the series in sight it looks like they’re going out with a bang with a Royal Reserve Collection, with releases starting this spring. In this new series, each beer will commemorate one of the four most epic battles/characters seen in the show, starting with Hand of the Queen, a beer brewed for Tyrion Lannister. From the press release…
“While technically not royalty at all, Tyrion certainly qualifies as a nobleman in our esteem,” says Doug Campbell, President of Brewery Ommegang. “We’ve wanted to brew for Tyrion for six seasons, and we believe his time has come. Knowing his preferences, our beer for Tyrion could only be a barleywine.”
“Ommegang’s collection of Game of Thrones beers has been an enduring hit with our fans, so we’re excited to offer them even more opportunities to pay tribute to their favorite characters next year by releasing four new and special releases,” says Jeff Peters, Vice President of Global Licensing at HBO. “And, of course, who better to receive our first tribute than Tyrion, the man who so famously drinks and knows things.”
We previously took a tipple of the Winter is here! release last year and are happy to say this latest effort from Ommegang does not disappoint. Strong with malt, a counter to the fruit flavors that bring to mind raisins and peachy notes. Clocking in at 11%, it’s a boozy beast, and you can tell with just one sip. It’s rich too so maybe best to share with your own Queen.
The four beers making up the Royal Reserve Collection will launch in April, July, October, and December of this year. Details and images of the other 3 beers will be announced throughout the year.
Available throughout Ommegang’s distribution network beginning in April, Hand of the Queen will be offered both on draft and in 750ml bottles. The suggested retail price for a bottle is $12.99.
Cheers to HBO and Ommegang for providing product for this article.