Initial 'Game of Thrones' beers make return this fall

Mike Snider | USA TODAY

The latest Game of Thrones plot twist involves not a character demise, but beer: the initial two specialty releases from Brewery Ommegang and HBO will make a return this fall.

The initial release in the specialty beer series, 2013's Iron Throne Blonde Ale, and the second beer, Take The Black Stout, are being brought back for a special re-release. Demand for the beers have grown along with the popularity of the fantasy series, based on the books by George R. R. Martin.

Brewery Ommegang and HBO didn't know what to expect when it released Iron Throne Blonde Ale, a crisp, spicy golden beer with 6.5% alcohol by volume. Its production amounted to only one-fourth of the volume that the brewery made for the most recent Game of Thrones beer Three-Eyed Raven, released this spring. Supply of those Iron Throne bottles and kegs was depleted in days. And even though the brewery doubled the production for the malty, roasty Take the Black Stout (7% ABV), it also sold out quickly.



“We heard from so many fans who were disappointed about missing the first two Game of Thrones beers,” said Josh Goodstadt, HBO's vice president of global licensing, in a statement. “The popularity of the beers has grown right alongside the popularity of the show, and we are thrilled to give these first two brews a second turn in the spotlight.”

The two beers will be available nationwide in late September on draft and in 750ml bottles (about $10), as well as limited edition gift packs that include a bottle of each beer and a commemorative glass with the Ommegang and Game of Thrones logos (suggested price $22.99). To see when the beers hit your area use Brewery Ommegang’s online beer finder.

“We had no idea what the reaction to a Game of Thrones beer would be when this all started,” said Brewery Ommegang marketing director Bill Wetmore in a statement. “We were blown away by the runaway success of these first two beers and are very excited to give loyal fans another chance to enjoy them.”

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