COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Night gathers, and it’s time to unveil the second Game of Thrones beer. From Brewery Ommegang and HBO comes the highly-anticipated Take the Black Stout, inspired by the Night’s Watch and the men who stand it.
The label features the sacred Weirwood tree, where men such as Jon Snow — who worship the old gods — take the Night’s Watch oath.
Take the Black Stout inherits the mantle of the wildly successful Iron Throne Ale, which arrived earlier this year and had beer lovers, retailers, and wholesalers clamoring for more. Bottle shops and grocery stores across the country sold out in days, while bars poured through kegs in hours. To quench the Tyrion-sized thirst of beer-drinking Game of Thrones fans, Ommegang will more than double the volume of the Iron Throne release. Take the Black Stout will debut this fall through Ommegang’s nationwide distribution network.
Mike McManus, Ommegang’s Innovation Manager, developed the beer with wintery thoughts and dark tidings in mind. “I imaginedTake the Black Stout as a hearty and robust beer to fortify those heroically standing watch at the Wall,” said McManus. “Like their lives, the beer is dark, complex and bold. The maltiness offers deeper complexity than traditional stout; the brew also boasts more alcohol at 7% ABV, more body and more hops than typical stout offerings. Spicing with star anise and licorice root – imbues deeper flavors and an enticing aroma. I’d like to think it would offer comfort to those upholding their vows at the Wall.”
Tasting notes for Take the Black Stout:
Take the Black Stout is brewed with base malts, caramel, chocolate and roasted barley malts. It’s hopped with Northern Brewer hops and spiced with licorice root and star anise.
The hue is deep black, almost opaque, with a full tan head. Aromas include dark chocolate, caramel malt, and earthy hops, with light roastiness, and a touch of fruitiness.
Taste includes chocolate, dark coffee, rich malt character, and balanced roastiness. Clean hop bitterness converges with a slight woody character and spiciness.
The finish offers a sweet malt character giving way to spicy, earthy, hop bitterness.
Take the Black Stout will be available on draft and in 750ml corked bottles. A new custom glass, designed especially for the beer, will also be available.
Further details regarding Take the Black Stout will be revealed later this summer.
About Brewery Ommegang
Brewery Ommegang, part of the legendary Belgian brewer Duvel Moortgat family, opened in 1997 to craft-brew fine Belgian-style ales. Ommegang creates six ales year-round, as well as an extensive and imaginative range of seasonal and specialty ales. The beers have won a national following by connoisseurs of fine beer and are distributed in 45 states and internationally. Ommegang is located on a 136-acre farmstead in Cooperstown, New York, USA and offers free daily tours and inexpensive tastings as well as a 100-seat café, a well-stocked brewery store, and an annual calendar of public events. Ommegang is open every day of the year except for Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day. For more information, please contact info@ommegang.com, call 1-800-544-1809, or visit www.ommegang.com. Ommegang is a member of the Duvel family of fine beers. Follow Ommegang on Twitter: @BreweryOmmegang , Facebook.com/Ommegang, Instagram: @BreweryOmmegang
About HBO Global Licensing
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO┬« brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network’s award-winning programming. With products created around classic series like the The Sopranos┬« and Sex and the City┬« to current hits like True Blood┬« and Game of Thrones┬«, items include fashion apparel, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, games, books as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, athttp://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop┬«, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Licensing & Retail products are also sold internationally across Europe, Asia and Australia.