MUNICH — (MunichNOW Life) — The Carnival festivities ended a little over two weeks ago, and Munich has had a chance to collectively detox. Therefore, it must be time for another drinking festival! It isn’t all just Oktoberfest around here.
It is time for the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), when regular people get a chance to imbibe some of the strongest beer brewed in these parts, much like the monks did in times long past.
In nearly any proper beer hall in Munich, and especially at Paulaner’s Nockherberg, one can drink the sustenance of the monks, appropriately named Salvator (very monkish), as we fast and reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ…
What? Who are we kidding?!
It is yet another opportunity to do it like the Bavarians and get lit, stand on the benches and show the world your impeccable balance! Sing silly songs that my daughter knows from Kindergarten, eat fatty, delicious pork prepared in numerous varieties, and make a total fool out of oneself just like everyone else around you is doing!
The Starkbierfest am Nockherberg begins today, and runs until the 25th of March. Augustiner Keller, Hofbräuhaus, and other beer halls generally run the same dates. There are also smaller starkbierfests in towns and villages all over Bavaria at this time of year.
The Löwenbräukeller tapped its Triumphator kegs a week ago, which is a great idea as few locals drink beer from that brewery unless forced to by necessity. But it does have the best food, if you are into that sort of thing.
If you go:
If you plan on going to any of the festivals, check the appropriate website, and BOOK TICKETS now, as the festivals tend to sell out on the good days early.
Here’s another tip. Mix in a regular ‘Helles’ (lager) between mugs of the sweet strong beer, unless you plan on driving the porcelain bus at some point in your evening.
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