Tap Handle #365: Ommegang - Take the Black Stout (Game of Thrones)
Rarity: Rare
Mounting: internal 3/8" nut
Although I've never read the "A Song of Ice and Fire" books by George R. R. Martin, I'm a big fan of the television show on HBO, and for a fan of the show, this tap is simply awesome. Each sword has a different hilt, and represents one of the 5 families, or Houses, vying for the throne (represented by the crown near the base). The rest of the tap is made to look like wood (or perhaps tooled leather), and the swords are stuck through it. I'm not sure if Ommegang will have another figural tap for Fire and Blood Red Ale, but if they do, it's going to be a must-have.
Click through to learn more about Brewery Ommegang, their Take the Black Stout beer, and more amazing photos...
Ommegang was founded in Milford, New York in 1997 by Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield. The two were owners of Vanberg & DeWulf beer import company, and three family owned Belgian breweries including Duvel Moortgat. Ommegang became the first farmstead brewery built in America in over a century, on a 136-acre former hop farm on the banks of the Susquehanna River. By 2003, the Belgian breweries had all been absorbed into large corporations. Feinberg and Littlefield sold their share of Ommegang in 2003 to Belgian brewer Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat, brewers of the world-renowned Duvel Golden Ale. Since its opening, Ommegang has grown rapidly. In early 2005, unable to meet demand for their ales, they began an expansion to add 40 percent to their production capacity over the next year. Duvel Moortgat brewed limited amounts of beer for Ommegang in 2006 to help meet demand.
In 2010, Ommegang released an extensive study on hydrofracking for shale gas in Otsego County, which is a method of drilling for natural gas. The study found that hydrofracking would create waste disposal problems, possible contamination of the local water supply, and would jeopardize the operation of the brewery.
In 2011, Ommegang re-tiled the brewhouse and packaging hall, and moved the store and tasting room into a 4000 sq. ft building with an indoor/outdoor bar and patio. Once again parent company Duvel covered production during the projects.
Brewery Ommegang currently brews 6 year round beers, as well as specialty varieties. It distributes its beers in 43 states and Washington, D.C., including Alaska and Hawaii but excluding Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Mississippi. Ommegang has also begun exporting to Canada and the US Virgin Islands. Today the facility covers more than 25,000 square feet and produces more than 30,000 hl/year. The beers are distributed in 44 states and exported to several foreign countries.
Take the Black Stout is named for the oath taken by those who stand the Night’s Watch at the Wall, defending Westeros against the North. It is brewed with base, caramel, chocolate and roasted barley malts. Hopping includes Northern Brewer and Columbus; spices are licorice root and star anise. Hue is black with full tan head. Aromas include chocolate, caramel, and earthy hops, light roastiness, a touch of fruitiness. Tastes include chocolate, coffee, rich malts, and balanced roastiness. Clean hop bitterness joins with slight woody character and spiciness; the finish offers sweet malt character leading to spicy, earthy, hop bitterness. Weighted average on ratebeer.com is 3.58 out of 5.
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