Warning: Game of Thrones spoilers ahead!

Game of Thrones may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean we need to leave Westeros for good. Let’s imagine the Game of Thrones houses as beer.

When I was a child, my wonderfully nerdy family would play a word game called “Essences”. My parents would break it out halfway to the beach, as my brother and sister and I rode along in the back of our wood-paneled minivan named – appropriately – Woody.

Hey, Toy Story was a big deal at the time.

The gist of Essences was this: one of us would come up with a character or famous person, and the rest would take turns asking questions to get to the essence of the subject. My favorite question (because it rhymed so beautifully) was, “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?” We may not be riding along in the back of a minivan together, but I’d love to play a virtual round of Essences with you.

It’s no secret I’m a proud geek – it says so right on the sidebar. Whether I’m throwing back a butterbeer in a Hufflepuff shirt or rolling a 20-sided die next to my tankard of ale, I am most myself when I can fully embrace my nerdom. Luckily, it isn’t hard to be a fan of fantasy these days. Some of the most popular franchises have fully embraced their nerdom, too, filling the page or screen with wizards, role-playing, and dragons (so cool).

Speaking of dragons, with the end of Game of Thrones comes a longing to return to the early days of glorious (and not so glorious – I’m looking at you, Bolton) houses. If we could imagine the Game of Thrones houses as beers, here’s what I think we’d come up with.

House Arryn

This house would be a pilsner, but not a good one. So light it’s practically flying and lacking any real substance, this lager is a fitting match for the house that never quite knew how to play the game. In the end, this drink will leave you shrugging with indifference, much like Robin Arryn in the final episode of the series.

House Baratheon

The house of the stag and the OG throne holder calls for a robust ale that pairs well with roasted meat – boar, anyone? A classic brown ale will quench our thirst, though we’ll soon realize there’s a wealth of beer styles beyond our borders that want in on the action . . .

House Greyjoy

Take a sip of a gose and taste that salty sea air. This historic beer is sour (like Euron when he wanted the Salt Throne), hazy (like Theon’s loyalties for much of the show), and dry (like Yara’s sense of humor). Luckily, it comes around in the end for a refreshing finish.

House Lannister

This one is easy. The golden lions would be a golden ale, also known as a summer ale. The residents of King’s Landing were enjoying a perpetual summer when Game of Thrones started, so this refreshing and light beer would have been a perfect fit. Even better? The style practically screams “Cersei”; just like the original Queen, most varieties have a beautiful golden color but a snappy bitterness.

House Mormont

The honorable House Mormont deserves a beer that will wrap you in a bear hug, have your back during the long winter, and give its all for your cause. A Russian imperial stout will do the trick. This style is strong and unshakable, and will knock you on your ass if needed. Sound like anyone we know?

The honorable House Mormont deserves a beer that will wrap you in a bear hug, have your back during the long winter, and give its all for your cause.

House Stark

A strong, traditional Winter warmer is called for when talking about the revered northern House Stark. Spiced like a fine stew and stirring up the feeling of celebration after a long-fought victory, this style reminds you of time spent with your close family over the holidays. I have a feeling the Queen in the North would approve.

House Targaryen

Had things ended differently, the Targaryens would have been a wild ale, a new style that would bring positive and unorthodox change to the Game of Thrones landscape as we know it. After the final season of Game of Thrones, however, House Targaryen is a total rauchbier. This style (a personal favorite) is a beer that tastes of fire, burning wood, and rich, heavy smoke. Basically, the new King’s Landing – too soon?

House Tyrell

Ah, the Tyrells. While something like a Rosé Ale would be an obvious choice, I really need to give one of my favorite houses one of my favorite beer styles: a saison. Fruited, spicy, and with a pure love for its homeland, the saison also has a low alcohol content – perfect for keeping your wits about you when the rest of the world is going to hell in a hand basket.

Of course, there are other famous houses in Game of Thrones, from the horrid House Frey to the eternal bridesmaid, House Tully. Stay tuned for more rounds of Essences on Game of Thrones and other fandoms in the future.

So, do you agree with my Game of Thrones beer pairings? Comment below with other styles that are fit for a queen.