Oh yes, the wait is over folks – one the most popular Moon Gazer guest ale will be returning to welcome in spring. Unlike the Creme Eggs which start cracking open on shop shelves from Boxing Day we do stick with tradition and keep you waiting until the spring equinox.
So, here’s a quick reminder of Ostara…
The legend of Ostara, as with many others, is shrouded in mystery and contradiction.
The Anglo Saxon’s didn’t have the benefit of social media or blogs to spread the word – and how lucky they were – so much of this particular legend is hand-me-down folk lore.
However, many do agree that the Anglo Saxons saw Ostara (Eostre) as the goddess of spring, moon and dawn and that she had a hare as her sacred companion.
At that time, many also believed that hares laid eggs which is why today some believe Easter’s origins date back to this Goddess and her egg laying companion.
Whatever the truth, we love the romance of the legend. More importantly, we love the fact that spring is something to celebrate and raise a glass to.
Moon Gazer Ostara – captures the essence of spring welcoming in a golden new age, and also doff its hat to the resurrection links to Easter as well. If that’s all a bit twee for you, just relax in the knowledge that it’s a great ale.
So, what makes it special?
Well, one of the most popular one-off ales which we ever brewed was Chevalier Gold, a beer which used two resurrected ingredients – Chevalier Malt and a British hop going by the name of Ernest.
This hop variety was first selected in 1921 and eventually trialled at Wye College in Kent in 1957 and 1958. However, the brewers at the time rejected it as been ‘too American’, far too aromatic and tasty for their British bitters.
Thankfully times have changed and Ernest it is now grown commercially for Charles Faram and is admired for its New World flavours.
That said, don’t think we have just taken the easy route and brewed a weaker version of Chevelier Gold. No, we wanted to impart some new fresh flavours too.
Extra special traditionally floor-malted Maris Otter 19 is blended with contemporary malted Maris Otter, while the hop’s citrus and orange notes will be hopefully enhanced with a dash of peels from both of those fruits – with some invert sugar adding to the mouthfeel and sweetness of the brew.
The result – a light golden ale – light with a robust but balanced bitterness and a lemon and orange citrus finish refreshingly spring like.
The beer will be heading out to pubs from w/c 14 March ready in time for the start of spring on 21 March, so do please look out for it and enjoy.