"Game of Thrones" fans have spoken and Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, NY heard them utter the ominous and potentially delicious phrase, "Valar Morghulis." If you're a fan of the HBO series you probably know that this means "all men must die." Thanks to a December poll, "fans voted the foreboding phrase as the name of the fourth and newest beer in the 'Game of Thrones' collaboration between HBO and Brewery Ommegang." The beauty is that Valar Morghulis is a central theme of the fourth season, so well done lords and ladies! The style of the brew was determined as an Abbey Dubbel and it will be available at retail in fall of this year.According to Bill Wetmore, Director of Marketing for Brewery Ommegang, "The fan response to the beers has been so incredibly positive that we thought it would be a fun reward to ask them to play an active role in selecting the fourth beer. It's not uncommon to hear 'valor brewghulis' spoken in the halls of the brewhouse, so we were secretly hoping that Valar Morghulis would be the winner. Our brewers are also excited to brew a Dubbel, a classic Belgian beer style, and have some great ideas to make this release extra special."
We've also reported on the other three beers that follow Valar Morghulis; including, Iron Throne Blonde Ale (spring 2013), Take the Black Stout (fall 2013), and Fire and Blood Red Ale (available now but selling out quickly).
Here are the details on the complex new brew:
Valar Morghulis is brewed with pilsner and other specialty malts and hopped with Apollo and Hallertau Spalt Select hops. The hue is deep amber-brown with a persistent, creamy, off-white head. Aromas include caramel, toffee, ripe fruit, banana and slightly burnt sugar. The taste is well-balanced with rich malty sweetness, caramel and sugar, and just a touch of bitterness to balance. The finish is surprisingly dry and light on the tongue, belying the aroma and initial taste.
Gracing the label will be "the two-headed coin, given to Arya Stark by Jaqen H'ghar, one of the 'Faceless Men of Braavos' - legendary assassins with the ability to change their appearance at will. Each cork will be fire-branded with 'Valar Dohaeris,' which is the traditional response phrase to 'Valar Morghulis' meaning 'all men must serve.'"
Valar Morghulis is coming this fall and we'll keep you posted on the release date. It will be available on draft (sixth-barrels) and in corked bottles (25.4 ounces). The recommended retail price is $8.50 per bottle.
Let us know if you've tried the other brews and what you thought of them.
-Larissa Mrykalo