I’ve been a Game of Thrones fan since the first season (as you can tell from my previous article on my trip to Dubrovnik, aka King’s Landing). And like a few other die hard fans out there, I love the Ommegang Game of Thrones beer that is released each year. I have gone out of my way since 2011 to find that special brew with the unique label, just so I could drink it while watching the newest season. And this year is no different.

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Disclaimer: To be clear, I haven’t been able to find the “For the Throne” co-fermentation beer that was released by Brewery Ommegang in February. I will only be rating the Royal Reserve brews for the purpose of this article. I am also not a beer connoisseur, but I do have a sharp palette.

And this article is in no way paid for by Brewery Ommegang. I am just a big fan of their beers.

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In 2019, there are four Royal Reserve Collection beers that have been released from Ommegang (as least that I have found wandering in New York City):

• Mother of Dragons
• King in the North
• Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
• Hand of the Queen

Each beer is a different type, respective to their names, and has their own unique flavor.

Mother of Dragons

Smoked Porter & Kriek Ale Blend

6.6%

Rating: 2/5

I was a little apprehensive of this brew after reading about the cherry kriek flavor (I’m not a cherry person), but I decided to give it a shot. This is Daenerys’ brew after all. There is a distinct porter taste to this brew, with mild carbonation and a cherry/ale aftertaste. However once I downed my first glass, I came to the conclusion that ale blends are not for me. I enjoyed the porter part of this beer, but once that cherry and ale blend hit my tongue I was down for the count.

King in the North

Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

11%

Rating: 5/5

I’m a pretty big sucker for a smooth stout, and this was as smooth as they come; Jon Snow would be proud. At 11% alcohol content, I was drunk after my second glass (which is saying something). This is one of the lightest stouts I’ve ever tasted; I actually forgot I was drinking a dark beer. Even if you’re not a stout fan, this is a good brew for everyone. The Northerners know how to drink, and I don’t blame them with White Walkers almost at their doorstep.

Queen of the Seven Kingdoms

Sour Blonde Ale Blend

6.4%

Rating: 4/5

This ale is as blonde as Cersei’s pixie cut. This brew is smooth with a sour aftertaste that makes you forget you’re drinking a craft beer. It’s a nice blonde ale that the casual pilsner lover will enjoy. It’s a pity you can’t drink it while using a ballista to shoot spears at dragon skulls. Oh well, at least you can have a glass of this as you watch Cersei try to control a kingdom that loathes her on Sunday.

Hand of the Queen

Barleywine Ale

10.7%

Rating: 7/5

If you like a nice, malty ale, this Game of Thrones brew is for you. This beer is smooth, sweet, and has a darker side, just like the half man himself. The malt taste is somewhat minimal, and there is almost no carbonation. I honestly thought I was drinking wine for a second.  This is definitely my favorite brew this year. After all, Tyrion is known to drink and know things, and he knows how to pick a good ale.