822 Estonia Today; European Beer
2/21/202652 min
Estonia's medieval charm, beautifully preserved naturescapes, and Baltic culture are cultivating a burgeoning tourism scene. Bradt guidebook author and Estonian authority Neil Taylor lets us in on the abundant appeal of the former Soviet republic. And a certified Cicerone — that's "craft beer expert" — takes us on a tour of European suds and helps us tap into the best pints across the continent.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsRick Steves· Host0:00
[gentle music] It's an easy ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Its well-preserved medieval old town is one of the best in Europe.
Neil Taylor· Guest0:10
These buildings that date from 15th, 16th century are still there for us to enjoy.
Rick Steves· Host0:15
Coming up, Estonia expert Neil Taylor recommends what to see, do, taste, and understand about one of Europe's smaller countries with one of its fastest growing economies. He'll also explain why most Estonians would rather leave their years under Russian domination as a thing of the past.
Neil Taylor· Guest0:32
They want the Soviet Union to be very much in the background.
Rick Steves· Host0:35
Plus, Dave Carpenter helps us know what goes into the local beers of Europe, like the stouts they favor in the Baltics and in Ireland.
Dave Carpenter· Guest0:43
So that's barley that's not been malted, but it's been roasted like coffee, and that's what gives stout its dark color and kind of bittersweet taste.
Rick Steves· Host0:51
Come along for the hour ahead. It's Travel with Rick Steves. [singers humming] The Estonians' love of choir music helped to bring about a mostly peaceful end to the Soviet era in their country with what we call the Singing Revolution. In just a minute on Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear how Estonia is coming along 35 years later. And save room for a well-deserved pint as beer expert Dave Carpenter schools us on the variety of beers, ales, and lagers that have their home in Europe and remain a flavorful part of the local identity.