SO it was foretold that with the coming of winter, the great houses of Westeros would band together to defend the realm of the living. Your whisky- and GoT-obsessed friends will agree that there’s no tastier and more climactic way to see the literary and cultural phenomenon off than with drams of Game of Thrones-inspired single malts in hand.
Each of the seven notable houses – and the Night’s Watch – have been ‘paired’ with a whisky that supposedly embodies their respective qualities. Geek note: the seven here don’t represent the Seven Kingdoms of old – just the power players in the current GoT.
Our votes? The Night’s Watch Oban Bay Reserve for coolest bottle – it bears the full Night’s Watch oath on its ebony label; House Lannister’s Lagavulin 9 Year Old will pay in gold in the taste department.
Here’s the spiel for the pairings, per the official notes.
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House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost
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.
House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve
Fueled 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.
House Lannister – Lagavulin 9 Year Old
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.
The Night’s Watch – Oban Bay Reserve
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.
House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve
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 flavors 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 flavors.
House Baratheon – Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old
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.
House Tyrell – Clynelish Reserve
House Tyrell of Highgarden rules over the Reach, the lush and fertile region of Westeros. Like the Reach, Clynelish is positioned among green pastures and rolling hills, with scenic views of the North Sea. This vibrant, golden Scotch is light and floral, like House Tyrell, and it’s not to be underestimated with its underlying complex combination of Highland and maritime qualities.
House Tully: The Singleton Glendullan Select
House Tully located at Riverrun, rules as the lord of The Riverlands. 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 flowed through the land utilizing a water wheel to power the entire distillery.
The collection is now available in Singapore via 1855 The Bottle Shop outlets and AsherBWS as full sets of eight.
As with all limited edition whiskies, snag one set for imbibing with pals, and another for investment and collection purposes. Oh, and if you’re actually on Team Ice, pick up the White Walker from Johnnie Walker instead.