Ommegang has teamed up with HBO to release the first in their “Game of Thrones” series beers. Iron Throne is a Belgian-style Blonde Ale at 6.50% ABV in signature corked and caged 750 ml bottles. Since hearing about this a few months ago, we’ve been eager to get our hands on some!
The Brewer’s Art, based out of Baltimore Maryland, is home to many house made beers, fresh entrees, wines, spirits and beers from around the world. One of their own beers, Ozzy, is brewed in close to us in Royersford, PA (Nick’s hometown actually). According to the brewer, this is “our answer to the Belgian ‘devil’ beers!”
Walking through the aisle of a local beer and wine store, a big bottle with the word “Tripel” on it just popped out at me. That beer was the Long Strange Tripel from Boulevard Brewing Company, a year long offering from their Smokestack Series of beers. At 9% ABV, the Long Strange Tripel could be pretty potent, but hopefully the other flavors keep it in check.
Shane and Nick are back with a beer from the Goose Island Beer Company out of Chicago, IL. Sofie, their “Belgian-style Ale” noted as a Saison/Farmhouse Ale, is fermented with wild yeasts (brettanomyces?) and aged in wine barrels with orange peel. This specific bottle Nick has been hanging onto is from 2010, and with notation on the label it will age for up to 5 years, we’re interested to see how it’s holding up after 2 years.
I have walked by the classic Saison Dupont from Brasserie Dupont time and time again without trying it, but recently decided to pick one up to sample. This beer is readily available in most areas I have visited year-round, and is relatively inexpensive compared to a lot of other bottles on the market. Shane and I split the 750 ml bottle one night last week during a tasting, and served into two tulip glasses.
