New Beer: Easter Ale

Harvey’s Christmas Ale has been produced for almost half a century and, for many devotees, has become an essential element of the festive celebrations. It harks back to the era of monastic brewing, when strong ales were produced to mark the major feast days each year. As the monks emerged from a six week Lenten Fast, it is hardly surprising that they brewed a feisty ‘Easter Ale’ to mark the day.

As the nation is set to emerge from lockdown, Harvey’s felt it would be timely to revive this tradition.

Easter Ale (6.8% abv) is a full bodied amber ale that balances sweet malt sugars with the aroma and bitterness of Fuggle, Pilgrim, Cascade and Golding hops. It is brewed with fresh spring water from the South Downs, in celebration of the Easter Holiday.

The label features Julian Bell’s design for the inn sign of The Lamb, in Old Town, Eastbourne. Dating back to 1180, it is one of the oldest inns in England and was closely linked with its neighbouring, ancient parish church. A secret passage from the parsonage leads to the vaulted monastic room beneath the inn which now serves as the pub cellar.

Easter Ale is available in 500ml bottles >>>