The wait is over. As we patiently look forward to the highly-anticipated return of Game of Thrones this April, we can raise a glass to the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection as it officially hits Australian shores this week.
Perfectly timed to coincide with the launch of the final season of the cult viewing show, the collection has been paired to perfection and the team here at Social 101 ie pretty pumped about it!
To celebrate the eighth and final season of the critically-acclaimed TV series, Game of Thrones, DIAGEO and HBO have released a limited-edition collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. The collection features seven Scotch whiskies paired with six of the iconic Houses of Westeros, as well as the Night’s Watch, giving fans an authentic taste of the Seven Kingdoms.
If you’re not sure which whisky would be your tipple of choice, we’ve done our homework for you and provided an overview of what the expect from each whiskey in the Game of Thrones Collection (along with a little bit of background as to why the pairing was picked).
Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 43%
House Stark’s resiliency, strength and ability to thrive under the most intense situations are greatly shaped by Winterfell’s frigid temperatures. Dalwhinnie, known for being one of the highest distilleries in all of Scotland is cold and remote much like The North where House Stark calls home, making the two an iconic pairing. Extreme conditions are responsible for shaping the signature Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth. Naturally, it’s best served chilled or over ice.
Taste: Honey and fresh fig develop on the palate followed by a delicious maltiness and rich fruit cake.
Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 40%
House Tully located at Riverrun, rules as the lord of the River lands. The power of water flows through both House Tully and The Singleton Glendullan Select as it is made on the banks of the River Fiddich in the wooded hills of Dufftown.
Here they harnessed the water that owed through the land utilizing a water wheel to power the entire distillery.
Taste: Orange and clove open on the nose but on the palate there’s red berry compote and vanilla cheesecake with a pronounced cereal spice finish.
Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 40%
Fuelled by the same fiery spirit of the fierce female leadership of Daenerys Targaryen, this single malt celebrates legendary women and their unwavering perseverance. The Cardhu Distillery was pioneered by Helen Cumming and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth during the 1800s, a time when the whisky industry was almost entirely male-dominated.
Taste: Baked apple with baking spices open on the first nosing then transforms on the palate into a rich caramel character with hints of clove, red apple and a gentle nuttiness.
Game of Thrones House Lannister – Lagavulin 9 Year Old; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV 46%
Lagavulin is one of the most legendary single malt brands and has been crafted on the shores of Islay for more than 200 years – mirroring the meticulous calculation and tenacity employed by the Lannister’s in their rise to conquer the Iron Throne.
This single malt whisky is a roaring single malt that recalls the Lannister’s riches and is best served neat or with a single drop of water.
Taste: Characteristic Lagavulin sweet smoke explodes on the nose with a little more brine than the other expressions. The palate opens with smoked caramelized banana and heavy vanilla and burnt marshmallow which subside into a light dry, slightly salted caramel.
Game of Thrones The Night’s Watch – Oban Bay Reserve; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV 43%
The Oban distillery sits beneath the steep cliff that overlooks the bay in the frontier between the west Highlands and the Islands of Scotland, separating land and sea, just as Castle Black, home of The Night’s Watch, sits between Westeros and the lands beyond The Wall. The liquid’s richness is balanced with a woody, spicy dryness that The Night’s Watch could enjoy even on the coldest of nights.
Taste: Rich notes of cherry pie and candied orange peel open up on the palate that drifts into a wonderful crème caramel and a wisp of charred oak.
Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 45.8%
House Greyjoy rules the Iron Islands and worships the Drowned God. Talisker was a natural pair for House Greyjoy as this single malt is distilled on the shores of the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote and rugged areas of Scotland. The layered flavours and signature maritime character of Talisker Select Reserve are the result of its wave-battered shores. This liquid is an intense smoky single malt Scotch with spicy, powerful and sweet elements combined with maritime flavours.
Taste: Dry Sichuan peppery smoke and dark chocolate on the nose. On the palate the salted caramel with chili flakes explode into a smoky fruit cake of spice and the finish is long and complex with a lasting character of leather.
Game of Thrones House Baratheon – Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV 40%
Royal lineage drives the iconic pairing between House Baratheon and Royal Lochnagar. Similar to Robert Baratheon ruling the Seven Kingdoms upon the Iron Throne, Royal Lochnagar was deemed a whisky worthy of a royal family as it was granted a Royal Warrant after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the distillery in 1848. Balanced with delicate fruits and spices, this taste of royalty is best enjoyed neat.
Taste: Light notes of oak and sweet liquorice that develops into a rich, creamy vanilla coffee and finishes with a mild nutmeg custard note.
Diageo’s unparalleled diverse range of distilleries in Scotland, much like in Westeros, each have their own unique characteristics and produce a distinctive whisky representative of its local terroir. These similarities were the inspiration behind the collection, drawing an authentic storyline between each House and single malt pairing. Whether you want to collect them all or represent your chosen House, be sure to pick up a bottle before they leave the realm.
If you’re looking for inspiration on which whiskies to collect, there is no shortage of details behind each iconic pairing. For example, Game of ThronesHouse Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve is fuelled by the same fiery spirit of the fierce female leadership of Daenerys Targaryen, celebrating legendary women and their unwavering perseverance. The Cardhu Distillery was pioneered by Helen Cumming and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth during the 1800s, a time when the whisky industry was almost entirely male-dominated.
Be sure to have one of the unparalleled Game of Thronessingle malt whiskies on hand to toast to the final season. Collect all seven whiskies while supplies last and be sure to celebrate the final season responsibly.
Available to purchase from liquor stores nationwide now!
For more information on The Game of Thrones Collection Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, visit www.malts.com and join the conversation using #GOTSingleMalts.
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