A Game of Thrones (& Beer)

“Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.”
- George R.R. Martin, “A Game of Thrones”

And then there are those who would rather just drink beer; kick back after a long day at work, throw supper on the stove (alright – microwave) and flick on the tube. Like many of you all, that routine helps me survive the five day grind.

When I discovered the television series “Game of Thrones,” my day-to-day routine fell victim to a classic TV micro-addiction. Tearing through episodes like tissue paper, sacrificing sleep and health, I conquered the first two seasons in less than a week (you’re lying if you deny having experienced this).

Needless to say, I’m amped up for season three, and as it turns out I’m not the only one. The fantasy series adapted from the novels by George R. R. Martin is about to get its own series…of beer. In partnership with HBO, Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, N.Y. is developing a line of beers inspired by the themes and plotlines of the hit series. Iron Throne, a blonde ale with a bite will debut in tandem with season three this March.

Image source The Washington Post

The ale is meant to reflect the character of the pale, pretentious, nasty little Lannister child who holds the throne.

So what comes next? Inevitably, something steamy, dark and heavy. If you’ve never seen the show, let me help you understand: prevalent themes include sex (incest,) alcohol, war, and a whole lot more medieval sex. Leinhart and HBO are already collaborating on themed beers for future seasons that will tie into character and plot lines.

I like what they’ve got going here… I’m just bitter that the brewery staff gets to watch season three before I do.

Posted by AJ

Pre-Workout Beer?

Olympic athletes and beer… not two words that are often in the same sentence unless we’re talking post-Olympic celebrations. But with the Games over, these chiseled, god-like athletes can now relax and crack open a cold one on a hot summer’s day, just like the rest of us. But for those who still have professional competition in their future, I would highly suggest that they stay as far away from BrewDog’s new beer as possible.

BrewDog is a Scottish brewery that is so anti-establishment, their Olympic-inspired beer was named Never Mind the Anabolics. Before you even think about going out and buying a six-pack, especially all of us who currently are/thinking about becoming an Olympic athlete (HA!), let me fill you in on the special ingredients that have been added to this beer to give a big F***U to all the “fast food companies, sugary fizzy drinks producers or monolithic multi-national brewers”.

To start things off, Never Mind the Anabolics contains 6.5% alcohol (which is not BrewDog’s highest percentage beer) and some extra ingredients: creatine, guarana, ginseng, gingo, macha powder, matcha tea and kola nut. To further add to the beer’s WTF factor, the original test batch had another special sumthin-sumthin: steroids. But since that would be illegal, steroids are not included in the final product. Steroids or not, all of these substances would get any Olympian banned from the Olympics faster than I could chase down any of the Olympic male swimmers/divers if I saw them on the street.

Why anyone would ever think to create such a beer, let alone drink it, is mind boggling, but BrewDog has made their point loud and clear: drug tests be damned!

Posted by Katherine

Image source BrewDog

Introducing Lime-a-Rita…

Finally, I can kick back and drink a cold one with the guys.

Yes, I’m that girl…the one who refuses to drink beer and no, it’s not just because I’m high maintenance (though, I’ll be the first to admit that I am a bit “particular” when it comes to what I like and don’t like). You’d think that after all those college sorority socials and games of flip cup, I would have acquired a taste for its carbonated goodness, but no, I still do not like beer. In fact, I detest it.

So, hear me out when I say that I want to personally thank Bud Light (did I really just thank Bud Light?!) for finally coming up with a canned alcoholic beverage that I might actually drink. Recently, it was announced that Bud Light is launching Lime-a-Rita, which “blends the flavor of an authentic margarita with a refreshing splash of Bud Light Lime.” It’s about time those beer moguls start tailoring to women and cocktail lovers, alike.

Despite having a hint of beer in it, Lime-a-rita seems like it could be a contender for my summer drink of choice. Dare I say that I might be purchasing my first 12-pack? With 8% ABV, a little will go a long way, friends.

Bring out the funnel, people, I’m ready to Lime-a-rita it up!

Posted by Alyssa

Image source Annheuser Busch via Foodbeast

MMMbop, ba da da doo…HOP?

90’s boy band sensation and everyone’s favorite (formerly?) blonde-haired family trio, Hanson, has made a comeback. No, they don’t have another hit single like 1997’s “MMMbop.” Instead, they’re delving into the lucrative liquor business with their own beer appropriately named…wait for it…MMMHop.

Zac, Taylor, and Isaac have crafted their own Indian Pale ale which will be available early next year. My personal fave bro Zac said, “It’s vital our fans trust in everything Hanson do. We are soon to be selling our own beer. I’m not joking — MMMhop IPA anyone?”

I may not be the biggest fan of IPAs but I will not deny my undying love for the Hanson bros when I was in my elementary school prime, rockin’ scrunchies, matching leggings/tunics and pink Power Ranger Converse. So however it tastes, there’s no doubt I will be swigging back sips of MMMHop while fondly remembering my childhood crushes –swoon–!

Posted by Amiée

Lager for the Lazy

God, isn’t it just the worst when you actually have to walk to the fridge to get a beer? Sheesh. Well, Three Virginia Tech grads have answered the prayers of lazy imbibers everywhere.

Introducing BeerBot, your very own mini-fridge/beer cannon in one.  Picture this: you’re on the couch, watching the game. Suddenly, you reach the bottom of your Tall Boy, and still thirsty, obviously, want to crack open another cold one. Whip out your phone, and using the linked app, select the brew of your choice (‘Gansett, natch), and out of the fridge it pops, propelled into the air and into your hand.

Well, that gives a whole new meaning to “beer me.”

Posted by Haley

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