'Game Of Thrones' Beer From Ommegang Debuts At SXSW

Game of Thrones is gearing up for its third season, and there's something new to fill your glass with as you watch the battle for the rule of the Seven Kingdoms unfold. New York's Brewery Ommegang partnered with HBO to create a series of beers inspired by the Medieval fantasy story, and the first one will debut this week at South by Southwest during a gallery show filled with Game of Thrones art.

Iron Throne Blonde Ale is a work of art itself, in a way, since it was carefully crafted to channel the TV show's character and plot, instead of being a simple product tie-in with a name slapped on it. Ommegang brewmaster Phil Leinhart says, "With a Lannister currently on the throne, it made sense to do a delicate but piercing golden blonde ale with noble hops... it is fair in color and soft in appearance, yet it still possesses a complexity and bite to be on guard for." Lemon peel and grains of paradise were also used in the brewing process.

After the March 8 debut at SXSW, you can expect to find Iron Throne in just about all Ommegang markets by the end of the month, just in time to stock up for the March 31 premiere of Game of Thrones. The beer will be available both on draft and in 750-milliliter bottles (with a suggested retail price of $8.50 per bottle).

Iron Throne is just the first in the Game of Thrones beer series. Ommegang is almost finished with the recipe for the second beer, which is expected to be released this year, probably in the fall. An additional two beers are planned for 2014. 

— Danya Henninger, The Drink Nation

More From The Drink Nation:

Beer Review: Flying Dog Lucky SOB Irish Red Ale
Game of Thrones Beer From Ommegang Debuts at SXSW
Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey Kicks the Brown Out of Brown Spirits