Winter is coming to Sydney just as it is in Westeros. With the final season of Game of Thrones starting next week after a two-year wait, fans of the epic fantasy series need to celebrate. Enter Diageo and HBO. They’ve just released a limited-edition collection of Game of Thrones-branded Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Seven Scotch whiskies are paired with six of the iconic Houses of Westeros, as well as the Night’s Watch — after all, without the men guarding the Wall, where would we all be? (Answer: already part of the Night King’s army for the past few seasons, that’s what).
Pour one out for the Drowned God, get a fire in your belly in homage to R’hllor — no matter which whisky (or god) you chose, you’ll be able to enjoy a dram during the upcoming season.
It’s all thanks to Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits. They own some incredible distilleries in Scotland — and to celebrate, they’re teaming up with Mjølner in both Melbourne and Sydney for a one-off dinner on 14 April that takes you through all the whiskies.
The Plus Ones were invited to the exclusive launch party, where we got to traverse the Seven Kingdoms and try the whiskies, each paired with a different charcuterie, cheese, or oyster. The main gourmand himself, George R. R. Martin, would have loved it. I’m hoping he also would’ve like my Season 1 Catelyn Stark braid (did I mention I teach Game of Thrones hair-braiding classes?).
Whisky cocktails in hand, we went from table to table, all the while enjoying the live music from the string quartet. We were delighted when they played the opening credit song — and relieved when they neglected to play ‘The Rains of Castamere’. (Thus staving off stampede of hardcore fans to the exits.)
Diageo have gone to huge lengths to pair up the right House with the right whisky. Take House Targaryen, for example. To celebrate Daenerys Targaryen, First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons (whew), Diageo chose Cardhu. In the 1800s, Cardhu Distillery was pioneered by Helen Cumming and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth. Cheers to badass women!
Some whiskies — like Oban Bay — are paired because of geography. The distillery is on a cliff, similar to the Night’s Watch being near the Wall. Others, like Royal Lochnagar being paired with House Baratheon, is because of a bit of history. With the Baratheons being (formerly) rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, Diageo Royal Lochnagar a fit. After all, it was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria.
The full lineup of the the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection:
- Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 43%
- Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 40%
- Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 40%
- Game of Thrones House Lannister – Lagavulin 9 Year Old; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV 46%
- Game of Thrones The Night’s Watch – Oban Bay Reserve; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV 43%
- Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve; RRP: $99.99 for 700ml; ABV 45.8%
- Game of Thrones House Baratheon – Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old; RRP: $129.99 for 700ml; ABV
40% - Game of Thrones White Walker by Johnnie Walker – RRP: $64.99 for 700ml; ABV 41.7%
The best part is the public can experience what we got a taste of! Mjølner is hosting a Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection tasting experience (from $80) on Sunday 14 April in both Sydney and Melbourne. Enjoy a two-hour tasting of the entire Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Collection, all paired with artisanal charcuterie and cheeses.
What a perfect excuse to try each of the Houses’ whiskies before choosing your favourite. Then you’ll be able to raise a toast to Jon Snow, Daenerys, Tyrion, Arya, Jaime, Brienne, and all of your other favourites as the end to the epic series commences.
– Theresa
‘Winters is coming’ is how Theresa used to sign her RSVPs to her GoT viewing parties, as reported in The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald’s profile.
The Game of Thrones Collection Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection is available from liquor stores nationwide now.
Mjølner’s Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection tasting experiences run Sun. 14 April 2019. Buy tickets now.
