Take the Black Stout

Take the Black Stout is my third brush with Cooperstown, New York's Brewery Ommegang's Game of Thrones beers (read my reviews of Iron Throne Blonde and Fire and Blood Red). I found it appropriate that I enjoyed this brew while surrounded by a "wall" of snow. Sold in 750mL corked bottles, the label features a Weirwood tree. According to the label, this 7% alcohol tipple is brewed with star anise and licorice root.

Take the Black is an onyx stout topped with a stunningly thick and notably durable tan head. It has a considerably yeasty aroma that gives this beer a Belgian feel, which is certainly not surprising from an Ommegang brew. This yeastiness continues into the flavour, where it mingles with notes of spice, raisin, and, at the finish, a healthy wallop of bitterness. There's some sweetness in there too, but it is well tempered.

This is a pretty tasty stout. It has enough boozy warmth to keep the men of the Night's Watch from freezing and enough flavour to keep beer geeks smiling.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.