Saturday, April 19, 2014

Eostre


Eostre is the Easter beer.

It's a beer of promise and rebirth, spring-like in its zesty flavor.

It's light and hoppy, made from Pale malt and Goldings hops.

I'm sure you know that Eostre was an ancient Goddess of Spring, also known as Ostara.

Her followers celebrated her festival at this time of year, many centuries before the Christians came along and stole her name and changed it into the name for their festival.

When I lived in England, Eostre was traditionally the time that sailing clubs opened their seasons. Both of the clubs that I was a member of there had major regattas for club members on Eostre weekend (which is a 4 day holiday.)

So let's raise a glass of Eostre to Eostre.

Happy Eostre.

Cheers.


11 comments:

O Docker said...

And a hoppy Eostre to you, too.

Thanks for the explanation of the holiday's roots, but I'm still a little unclear on the significance of the chocolate rabbit.

Tillerman said...

Isn't it obvious? Rabbits are a fertility symbol in pretty much every religion and the Aztec fertility goddess Xochiquetzal liked chocolate. That's why chocolate rabbits are a well known aphrodisiac.

Baydog said...

Beer works better for me

George A said...

Glossop. Wasn't that the country stomping grounds of Bertie Wooster and his man Jeeves? I think he had a fierce old aunt there.

Tillerman said...

I didn't know that George. Your literary knowledge is astounding. Did Bertie's aunt like Eostre beer?

George A said...

Actually, now that I think of it, maybe it was Towcester (pronounced like the small kitchen appliance used for the incineration of bread).

Tillerman said...

Yeah, I think there was a character called Glossop. Sir Roderick Glossop - the loony doctor.

Tillerman said...

Are you sure it was Towcester? Aunt Dahlia lives at Brinkley Court in Market Snosbury in Worcestershire.

Tillerman said...

And Aunt Agatha's country home is Bumpleigh Hall near the village of Steeple Bumpleigh in Hampshire.

George A said...

Not sure without checking, but yes I believe you're correct: Glossop was the surname of one of Bertie's witless pals. A thing vaguely recalled. I need a beer...

Tillerman said...

Yes. Hildebrand "Tuppy" Glossop is Bertie's friend. Sir Roderick Glossop is Tuppy's uncle.

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