Forget Champagne, Crack Open A 'Game Of Thrones' Beer This Christmas

Forget Champagne, Crack Open A 'Game Of Thrones' Beer This Christmas

Ok, so we got you a little excited with the headline. We weren't telling the whole truth, as the aforementioned Game of Thrones beer isn't scheduled for release until March 31, 2013, though maybe you could save a couple of bottles for next Christmas? Anyway, what's it all about?

The upstate New York brewery Ommegang has formed a partnership with HBO to release an exclusive Game of Thrones themed ale to coincide with series three. The popular fantasy franchise has inspired a series of four beers, the first of which - a 6.5 per cent ABV blonde named Iron Throne - will hit shelves on March 31. Ommegang spokeswoman Allison Capozza described the flavor as "lightly malty" and is hopped with Styrian Holding, Hallertau and Noble hops. It will retail at $8.50 for a 750 millilitre bottle.  Three other beers are scheduled for fall 2013 (in time for Christmas) though are "just a concept at this point," according to Capozza. 

HBO has a history of food and drink themed promotional campaigns for Game of Thrones. To celebrate the debut of Season 2, the network commissioned celebrity chef Tom Colicchio to cruise around New York and Los Angeles in a Game of Thrones themed food truck. According to the Washington Post, he served up delicacies such as rabbit, pigeon cooked in sweet wine and fish stew.

The multi award winning Game of Thrones stars Stephen Dillane and Peter Dinklage.