Beer Man: Valar Dohaeris is a ‘Thrones’ beer worth serving
Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: Valar Dohaeris Tripel Ale
Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, N.Y.
While viewers of the popular Game of Thrones cable series from HBO have to wait until next year to see new episodes, beer drinkers can now enjoy the latest Ommegang ale made in conjunction with the show.
Valar Dohaeris was recently released, and the tripel ale continues to showcase the brewery’s excellence in Belgian styles.
The name, as translated on the show, means “All men must serve,” and is the traditional answer to “Valar morghulis,” meaning “All men must die.” An Ommegang Belgian-style duppel beer by that name was released in 2014.
Beer Man: Valar Morghulis is a 'Thrones' beer to die for
Valar Dohaeris poured with a frothy off-white head and light amber body. There were immediate aromas of fresh bread, honey, apple and pear. The flavor continued that profile, along with background notes of pepper, wheat, clove, banana, coriander and white wine.
It also maintained a bit of earthiness from the Belgian yeast used to ferment the 9% ABV ale. It was well carbonated, and a bit on the dry side and less sweet compared with a typical Belgian tripel. All in all, however, a good and slightly different take on the style.
Valar Dohaeris is available in single 750ml bottles and a two-bottle gift pack that also features the previously released 8% ABV Valar Morghulis dubbel ale. The dubbel, reviewed in 2014, is very well-made and a welcome return with its notes of malt, slightly roasted caramel, toffee, brown sugar, clove, and raisin and plum fruit notes.
The two beers complement each other well, and although Dohaeris is slightly stronger, I would suggest sampling that one first, as the flavors are lighter than Morghulis. Also, take note that Morghulis is not available in single bottles — only in the gift pack.
The retail price provided by Ommegang is $9.99 for the Dohaeris single bottle and $22.99 for the two-bottle gift box, which also includes a Game of Thrones goblet.
Ommegang is available in most states; its Find a Beer 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 by mail. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns, click here.