Back in my day, I drank a lot. I was very keen on high-octane, high-alcohol beers. I miss it sometimes because we would use the beers as accents to thematic evenings. One of those regular occurrences, for 7-10 weeks at a time, depending on the season, was Game of Thrones nights. My wife, my roommate, and I would make Game of Thrones food and drink our Game of Thrones beer (by Ommegang Brewery) out of Game of Thrones glasses and goblets. It was a fun little accent to a great show. Unfortunately, I would usually drink ALL the beer and forget half of the episode, which was confusing in its own right. How many family names do I have to remember?!?
That brief history into GoT drinking is to tell you why I am so excited that Mikkeller, a brewery we haven’t had on since week one or two, has come out with a non-alcoholic Game of Thrones beer to celebrate the new spinoff show. Mikkeller is a brewery out of Denmark with a healthy handful of non-alcoholic brews to choose from. They have added one more to their list, which is what we will be drinking today.
This week, we are drinking House of the Dragon: Caraxes by Mikkeller Brewing. This Game of Thrones-inspired brew is a non-alcoholic Dragonfruit Ale. I have to assume that it’s sour simply because most fruit beers are sour, but either way, I am in pure bliss just having this rocking can in my hand. Speaking of having this can in my hand, it should be noted that this is a 16oz can; in contrast, Mikkeller usually uses an average 12oz can. It adds to the unique feeling this Dragon-born brew brings to the world.
How Does It Pour?
Upon first crack, there is a fine fruity pheromone that hits the air. The tangy tartness of the dragonfruit is ever present and begs to be tasted. The beer pours into my Game of Thrones branded glass with joy and bubbly excitement, showing its red, nearly pink color, rich and vivid. Perhaps it’s what dragon blood looks like? We may never know. Mikkeller knows, though. Either way, it’s a deep tone that deserves to be observed before being indulged.
How Does It Taste?
The flavor promised by the deep red color, the badass can, and the promise of dragonfruit is just that. It’s a fruity, sour flavor that subtly introduces you to the idea of a sour beer. There is definitely more fruit than sour, but it’s not overly sweet, and the tart tinges of flavor sit around on your tongue and beg you to quench them once again. Mikkeller does a great job here of appealing to the masses with a great flavor that doesn’t lean too much in any direction.
Untappd gives House of the Dragon: Caraxes by Mikkeller a 3.7 out of 5, and I’d say that’s a pretty good rating! I am there with them and can’t wait to see what else may be drummed up to celebrate this new show! Let’s get to slaying some dragons, being ruled by them, or loving and living with them as equals. I don’t know. I have to watch the first episode still. Get some!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR NA BEERS & 90s: Sober Curator Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (and sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his amazing collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND: Want more Justin in your life? We don’t blame you! Check out his podcast Friend Request Justin has in-depth interviews with people he follows on social media, as well as his own social media followers. Friend Request dives deeper than the likes and comments. With each episode, Justin tries to create a more meaningful conversation about each individual he’s connected with. Justin ties each interview together with the commonalities and struggles that not only are extremely relatable but also fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
Check Out This Episode from Friend Request:
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
