• Andy Manshel
• On May 7, 2013
• Twitter

ABV: 6.5%
IBU: N/A

I’m conflicted; after months of anticipation and searching high & low to find it, I paid the iron price for what was almost assuredly going to be one of my new favorite drinks. But after tracking for Ommegang’s Game of Thrones partnership Iron Throne Blonde Ale, I felt a little let down.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I was assuming a Lannister-style drink; lavish and extravagant. But instead, I was treated to a Stark; cold, traditional, and full of hopes but kind of falling apart at the seams. This blonde ale was classic with a hearty mix of honey malts and spice with a very, very grainy body. It pours beautifully, and has a nice mild aroma, but it did not give me the distinguished taste and flavor I was hoping for. Typical, and didn’t quite live up to expectations of what a Game of Thrones ale could or should be. It lacked the complexity and intrigue of a Westerosi brew, delivering a simple, plain experience. It is the Sansa of beer: looks nice, mildly intriguing, and had a lot going to it, but severely lacking in depth and complexity. Not bad, but not astounding. Winter is coming, and if you want an ale that won’t disappoint, but also won’t surprise, then reach for the Iron Throne.