With the latest season of Game of Thrones now underway, I thought it was the perfect time to review the latest Game of Thrones-inspired beer from the Ommegang Brewery. Fire and Blood Red Ale pays tribute to the “Mother of Dragons” Daenerys Targaryen and her three dragons. There are three different bottle designs for Fire and Blood Ale, each of which features a different dragon. As far as great label designs go this is one of the coolest. I just hoped the beer was more then great packaging.
Fire and Blood Ale pours a cloudy reddish amber with a thick fluffy tan head. The aroma is fruity with a hint of Belgian spice. Upon tasting, I felt my palate begin a long journey much like Darnerys Targaryen is currently on in the show. I was immediately hit with the taste of fruit, rye and caramel sweetness. The sweetness lingered and then gave way to a light Belgian spice before it finished with the unique but great flavor of ancho chiles. The spice from the ancho chile was not overpowering, but it does linger briefly before it fades away long enough for you to forget it's coming back upon the next sip. The sweetness however, sticks around the entire time and flirts with being overpowering but never quite gets there.
All in all I found Fire and Blood Ale very drinkable but I could easily see how someone may not enjoy the spice of the chile pepper finish. I know it won't be for everyone and it is a bit different but in the case of a beer inspired by dragons it does seem very fitting. This is not a beer however I could see someone drinking regularly and perhaps that's why its a fitting one off. I do recommend giving it a try and as long as you know what you are in for and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Overall I give Ommegang Game of Thrones Fire and Blood Ale a 3.75/5. A fitting beer to enjoy while watching fire breathing dragons run wild.
Rating Scale:
1 - Repugnant and undrinkable
2 - Acceptable but forgettable
3 - Good, worth a purchase
4 - Excellent, a step above the norm
5 - Truly exceptional
To discuss this blog or all things beer follow me on Twitter & Untappd at @ACraftyLook
For more beer reviews go to: http://acraftylook.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading. Sláinte!
I was walking through my local grocery store and was surprised to see that some of the summer seasonal beers are already on the shelves. It almost seems like a cruel joke considering there is still snow on the ground but it is a sign that good weather, barbeques and outdoor concerts are on the way. That being said I realized I have yet to review any of the spring seasonal beers. So before it's too late I decided to take a look at Goose Island Ten Hills Pale Ale.
I have always been a fan of the Goose Island Brewery. From Bourbon County Stout to Honkers Ale to the easy drinking Mild Winter Ale, Goose Island has become a brewery that I do not hesitate to try a new beer from. That being said, not everything that comes out of there is fantastic beer. And that unfortunately is the case with this week's beer.
Goose Island Ten Hills Pale Ale pours a clear golden brown with a finger thick white head. The aroma is very light, flowery with citrus notes. The flavor is balanced but nothing spectacular. The malt is bready and slightly sweet, and the very light citrus flavor of the hops comes through in the finish before it washes away clean.
But once Ten Hills Pale Ale washes away, it's almost easy to forget what it tasted like. In fact it was difficult to write this blog because there was almost nothing to say about it. The flavor is so safe and comes and goes so quickly, I felt like I spent the entire bottle trying to remember what the last sip tasted like. That being said, the beer is very easy to drink and contains a 6.2% ABV which is hidden nicely in its almost invisible flavor.
Overall I give Goose Island Ten Hills Pale Ale a 2/5. This is a forgettable entry from a solid brewery. I would be surprised to see on shelves next spring.
Rating Scale:
1 - Repugnant and undrinkable
2 - Acceptable but forgettable
3 - Good, worth a purchase
4 - Excellent, a step above the norm
5 - Truly exceptional
To discuss this blog or all things beer follow me on Twitter & Untappd at @ACraftyLook
For more beer reviews go to: http://acraftylook.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading. Sláinte!
