Fan Fest News

News for Fans, By Fans!

Ommegang Sets a Standard with GOT Inspired ‘Hand of the Queen’ Barleywine

When it was announced that Ommegang was coming out with a series of Game of Thrones beer, we were immediately intrigued. The series is a staple of pop culture, and well, who doesn’t like a good beer?

We were lucky enough to get to try Hand of the Queen, part of the Royal Reserve Collection. From its taste to its price, we have a feeling many GOT fans are going to find this as one of the best drinks geared towards the series so far. This isn’t the first Game of Thrones release from Ommegang, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Defined as a ‘full-bodied version of a classic barleywine’ and comes in at an 11% ABV. It’s not too heavy, in fact, it’s incredibly well balanced. Not one side of the beer out flavors the other. Hand of the  Queen is the perfect addition to your Friday night in or even your Tuesday night dinner.

As announced by Ommegang, Hand of the Queen was a beer brewed for Tyrion Lannister.

‘The first beer in the series is Hand of the Queen, a beer brOmmegang Sets a Standard with GOT Inspired 'Hand of the Queen' Barleywineewed for Tyrion Lannister. As one who knows a great many things, Tyrion knows and loves wine above all else, so Hand of the Queen is a big, bold barleywine, a beer fit for those who seek knowledge and truth, both great and small. Available throughout Ommegang’s distribution network beginning in April, Hand of the Queen will be offered both on draft and in 750ml bottles.

‘While technically not royalty at all, Tyrion certainly qualifies as a nobleman in our esteem,” says Doug Campbell, President of Brewery Ommegang. “We’ve wanted to brew for Tyrion for six seasons, and we believe his time has come. Knowing his preferences, our beer for Tyrion could only be a barleywine.”

We had our first glass with dinner and had another later in the evening on its own. You can certainly taste everything from the raisin to the molasses as it powers right from the beginning. It’s not a taste that fades, leaving you with that lip-curling reaction that you get from some brews. Instead, its smooth start is only second to its smooth finish. It would truly agree with almost any beer lover. The ale/malt taste is a personal favorite of ours and Hand of the Queen sets a new standard.

Hand of the Queen will be available this April, with the other beers following later this year. We have to say, with a start this strong, we are certain they’ll only get better from here. Keep your eye out for the official release of the beer, you won’t want to miss this one.