Game of Thrones nerds will have to remain patient until next spring before the hit fantasy drama returns for its fifth season. But in the meantime, Brewery Ommegang has Valar Morghulis, its fourth GoT inspired beer, available for fans of the show.
While the previous release in the Cooperstown, NY brewer’s ongoing series of GOT beers, Fire and Blood, was brewed with a variety of specialty malts and a late addition of ancho chiles to summon some of the fire from heroine Daenerys Targaryen’s three pet dragons, this latest, a Belgian Dubbel, is a little more straightforward.
Poured from a 750ml bottle into a tall stemmed beer glass, the deep amber colored Valar Morghulis quickly forms a rich and creamy two- to three-finger tan head that lingers forever and leaves behind lacing for days as it’s sipped.
True to style, the dubbel puts forth bready and yeasty aromas backed with whiffs of raisins and plums and subtle traces of licorice, spice and alcohol as it warms up. What’s missing — or at least considerably dialed back — are the candi sugar, caramel and toffee notes found in Ommegang’s benchmark Abbey Dubbel.
As far as taste goes, Valar Morghulis delivers a rich and sweet malty punch with traces of plums, figs and brown sugar that give way to a fleeting spiciness that gradually fades to a drier than normal finish for the style. Those familiar with Ommegang’s core lineup of Belgian ales will surely notice that this latest GoT brew is considerably lighter than its medium-bodied Abbey Dubbel.
While it’s unlikely that Valar Morghulis will win over any Belgian beer purists, its deep complexity of aromas and flavors and easy drinkability makes it well worth checking out.
Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›
In this history segment, we take a closer look at a classic cocktail: The Boulevardier....read more ›
If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›
For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›
PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›
There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›
Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›
Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›
If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›
This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›
In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›
A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›