Press Release:

(Cooperstown, NY) – Brewery Ommegang and HBO announced today that the highly anticipated second beer in the Game of Throne series – Take the Black Stout – will launch nationwide through bars, restaurants, grocery, and beverage stores at the end of September. The brew is inspired by the Night’s Watch, a military order dressed in black, which holds and guards The Wall – an immense ice fortification protecting the Seven Kingdoms from enemies in the North. The unique label features the sacred Weirwood tree where Jon Snow and other followers of the old gods take their oaths to the Night’s Watch.

“With the second beer, we wanted a big, substantial brew, something that would stick to your ribs and sustain you through long nights at watch on The Wall,” said Phil Leinhart, brewmaster at Ommegang. “A 7 % ABV stout with Northern Brewer hops, Midnight wheat, roasted barley, and chocolate malt made a perfect foundation for the beer. We also used uncommon spicing, something Ommegang is well known for. For this beer we added licorice root and star anise.”

“Working with Ommegang has been a great experience,” stated Josh Goodstadt, Director of Global Licensing & Retail, HBO. “Ommegang knows how to deliver a high-quality product that is authentic to the Game of Thrones brand and resonates with our audience. That was evident by the great response we received fromfans and beer connoisseurs alike in regards to the first beer, Iron Throne Ale, and we expect the same with the launch of Take the Black Stout.”

“Iron Throne was the largest volume limited-edition beer we’ve ever brewed and the fastest selling,” said Simon Thorpe, President and CEO of Duvel USA/Brewery Ommegang. “We were excited to see the response from beer lovers and fans of the show – it was simply overwhelming for the first beer. Building on that, we’re increasing production of Take the Black Stout.

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Take the Black Stout is deep black in hue, with a full tan head. Aromas include dark chocolate, caramel malt, earthy hops, and a touch of fruitiness. Tastes include chocolate, dark coffee, and rich malt character. The beer has light, balanced roastiness aroma and taste. The clean hop bitterness converges with a slight woody character and spiciness.

The finish offers sweet malt character giving way to spicy, earthy, hop bitterness. The beer will be nationally available on draft and in 750ml bottles, for the suggested retail price of $8.50 per bottle, beginning in mid- to late-September, and will be followed by additional beers in 2014. To find a retail location which carries Take the Black Stout near them, consumers can click on the “find a beer” link at www.ommegang.com at time of launch.