First Posted: 3/25/2013
Beer: Iron Throne
Brewer: Brewery Ommegang
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 6.50%
FYI: Iron Throne is a collaboration beer between Brewery Ommegang and HBO, specifically for the hit series “Game of Thrones.”
Description: Ommegang’s Iron Throne pours a hazy golden color with a huge fluffy white head that will linger throughout your drinking experience. As you drink Iron Throne, a beautiful thick lacing is left on your glass as well, a sign of a well-made beer! The aroma of this beer may be confusing to some who are not familiar with grains of paradise, a wonderful spice used in many Belgian-styled beers. Iron Throne certainly has grains of paradise on display in the aroma; slight hints of lemon and Belgian yeast. The first sip is surprising in that the body of this beer packs a bit more than one would expect. It is very malt forward in the taste, followed by hints of honey and citrus – a wonderful combination! After swallowing, a brief lingering taste of honey is left on the palate but quickly dissipates due to the high carbonation within this beer cleaning up after itself: certainly a dry finish. I must say that each sip of this beer was a wonderful experience, and by the time you finish a glass, you certainly want another one.
Food pairing: Iron Throne is a wonderful beer to have on-hand while sitting down to watch your favorite show on TV with a wonderful cheese and meat platter or other finger foods of your liking. However, don’t simply think that this beer was made for consumption while watching TV. Iron Throne would be a wonderful addition to a spaghetti and Alfredo sauce dinner; the creamy sauce would blend perfectly with this beer. Also, be sure to open a bottle of Iron Throne during your next fish dinner, especially if you are the type to squeeze a wedge of lemon on top; the lemon flavors within this beer are absolutely mind-blowing with this combination!
Is it worth trying? Absolutely! I personally believe that anything Brewery Ommegang releases is worth a try, but this unique collaboration beer is just stunning. Also, it has been released at the perfect time, and no, not just because the 3rd season of “Game of Thrones” begins airing March 31, but because this beer is perfect for the spring season. It is light enough to enjoy on a lovely warm afternoon, but hefty enough to enjoy with your dinner. So whether you are a fan of the show or not, be sure to seek this beer out and grab some while you can, because something tells me that this one is going fast!
Rating: W W W W V
Where can I get it? Currently available in bottles at Exit 190 Beer & Deli, Dickson City and Backyard Ale House, Scranton, but check with your favorite craft beer shop, as many more are starting to receive this wonderful beer!
Remember, enjoy responsibly! Cheers!
-Derek Warren is a beer expert, avid homebrewer, and beer historian. Derek can be reached at NEPABeerGeek@gmail.com.
