Beer Man: Ommegang's 'Thrones' ale

Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.

This week: Fire and Blood Red Ale

Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, N.Y.

www.ommegang.com

The fourth season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" begins April 6, and Brewery Ommegang is releasing its third beer connected with the show through a licensing agreement with the cable network.

Fire and Blood Red Ale is much more than its humble description, as would be expected from a brewery that doesn't just specialize in Belgian-style ales — it excels at them.

I received samples of the ale in advance of its March 31 release date and the first thing that caught my eye was the inclusion of ancho chili pepper as an ingredient. All of the Ommegang beers I've tried have been firmly in the traditional Belgian styles, so the addition of the pepper was intriguing.

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An Ommegang release states that the ancho pepper and red ale components of the beer were worthy representations of the Fire and Blood name, which comes from the motto of the series' House Targaryen, which is closely associated with dragons.

The backbone of Fire and Blood is its Belgian origins, starting out with the malty, fruity, yeasty aromas that are a staple of many Belgian beers. Although many of the stronger (9%-plus ABV) dark Belgian beers have notes of raisins, dates, plums and/or prunes, the ancho pepper made these dark fruit notes really come out in this 6.8%-ABV beer.

The ale certainly lived up to the "blood" portion of its name — its color after the pour was a bright ruby red. As is usual with Ommegang beers, a rocky head appeared immediately. The prune, raisin and malt flavors were the most prominent in the beer, along with American (pine and grapefruit) hops. The latter would be quite strong in a lesser beer, but the rich malts, slight sweetness and ancho character hold their own and keep the hops in check.

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The hop bitterness and use of rye provided a dryness at the finish that lingered just long enough to prepare for the next sip. While the anchos provide the "Fire" part of the name, their use is more for flavor and there is no burn to the beer, just a slight spicy pepperiness.

Fire and Blood will be sold with three different labels featuring each of the three dragons associated with the series. Ommegang is available in 44 states, but Fire and Blood will be limited. The brewery's beer finder link is at the top of its home page.

Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns Click here.