Lent means strong beer time in Bavaria!
Originally, strong beer was supposed to make the fasting period after carnival more bearable. A beer was therefore needed that was stronger than all the others, strong and calorific enough for the period of abstinence.
There are various sources for the origin of strong beer. The most common story is probably that it was brewed by monks during Lent. After all, if fasting is necessary, then at least there should be no lack of liquid food.
The Paulaner monks, who came to Munich from Italy, brewed their first strong beer as early as 1629 according to the Maibock recipe, only stronger (Doppelbock) and named it "Sankt Vater". It was later popularly known as "Salvator".
Soon the people of Munich were making pilgrimages to the monastery outside the city gates to drink beer, but it was not until 1780 that Elector Karl Theodor relaxed the strict rules on serving beer, which were handled rather loosely by the resourceful monks. The strong beer season ends at Easter at the latest. This is followed by the Maibock season, which is a fitting way to welcome spring.
Strong beer festivals in Munich:
Nockherberg
Strong beer lovers make a pilgrimage to the Paulaner brewery's strong beer festival on Nockherberg until 7 April 2019. It rightly has cult status. We reveal what you need to know about the strong beer festival - and how you can book a table.
When is it open?
The Starkbierfest is open daily until 7 April 2019:
Monday-Friday from 2pm - 11pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11am - 11pm
The bar closes at 10.30pm every day.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to the Starkbierfest costs €12.90 and includes €2 entrance fee and €10.90 for a pint of Starkbier, Helles, Radler or a non-alcoholic drink. Payment is made at the entrance.
How do I get a table?
Just turn up - the staff will help you find a free table. However, please bear in mind that you may have to wait. If you want to be sure of getting a table, you can also make a reservation or (for larger groups) book directly.
It is possible to reserve individual seats (at tables of 10) via the Nockherberg website - but not for all days. Reservations are free of charge - admission is paid at the entrance. Please note: You must take your table Mon-Fri from 4 pm and Sat/Sun until 2 pm. Otherwise your reservation will be cancelled.
Bookings are only possible for entire tables of 10. Here, too, there are no longer places for every day. So this is only worthwhile for groups. Bookings can be paid for in advance via the website. One advantage: you get fast-track entry via a special entrance.
How strong is the Salvator?
Nockherberg is home to the forefather of strong beers, Salvator - brewed by the Paulaner brewery according to the original recipe of Frater Barnabas: a doppelbock with 18.3 per cent original gravity and 7.9 per cent alcohol. With around 680 kcal per litre, this tasty beer can replace a meal during Lent.
What is there to eat?
Nobody has to starve in the Festsaal: traditional Bavarian specialities such as chicken, knuckle of pork and duck are of course served there. Chef Florian Lechner also promises modern Bavarian and regional cuisine.
What entertainment is on offer?
An official Oktoberfest band, Die Kirchdorfer, known since 1994 from the Hacker festival tent, will provide the music. Under the direction of Thomas Wohlschläger, the band will play for you every day. For the first time, there will be a festival with Bavarian music on 31 March: the "Nockherbergfest".
Löwenbräukeller
The strong beer festival in the Löwenbräukeller combines tradition and a lively atmosphere: from 15 to 30 March 2019, the time-honoured pub celebrates with the tasty "Triumphator" from Wednesday to Saturday.
Tradition with Triumphator
The original Schützen-Festzelt band "Die Niederalmer" provides the musical entertainment at the strong beer festival. Women can take part in the "Miss Triumphator" competition and win a dirndl. Those who think they are particularly strong can try their hand at the traditional stone lifting on the stage. A colossus weighing 508 pounds has to be heaved into the air. The strong beer festival in the Löwenbräukeller takes place in the large ballroom from 6 pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays.
This is the Triumphator
Around 30,000 litres of Triumphator are served in the Löwenbräukeller every year, of which between 20,000 and 25,000 litres are served at the strong beer festival alone. Here are some more interesting facts about this beer:
Brewing method: bottom-fermented
Flavour: distinctly malty, strong, little hops, slightly sweet, caramel-like
Colour: fine-pored, dark brownish
Appearance: deep dark, black, bright, shiny
Original gravity: 18.4%
Alcohol content: 7.5% vol.
Calorific value per 100 ml: 290 kj, 70 kcal
Augustinerkeller
Cheers! Toast with the Maximator in the Augustinerkeller during the strong beer season. From 7 March to 13 April 2019, the strong beer festival runs from Thursday to Saturday in the Lagerkeller. On Saturdays, Maximator will also be served in the Festsaal. We reveal why it's worth it...
- Why you should drop by: The best parties have always been in the cellar - and the brick vaults in the Augustiner are particularly beautiful. The party factor is even higher on Saturdays, when the area is simply extended to include the ballroom and a special live music programme takes care of the rest.
- Who performs on Saturdays: On 9 March the Birkeldobler play in the large ballroom, on 23 March the Dorf Oxn take over, on 30 March the band 089 plays, on 31 March the Jetzendorfer Musikanen provide the atmosphere and on 6 April the Cagey Strings.
- What a strong beer there is: Munich's oldest brewery sends the Maximator into the race. At 7.5% alcohol, the palatable, dark doppelbock of monastic origin can certainly maximise a lot - certainly at least the enjoyment of the beer.
- How to get a table: You should book your tickets for the strong beer festival online in advance on this page - there are still a few places left!
- From when to when: From 7 March to 13 April Thursday to Saturday in the Lagerkeller, on Saturdays also in the Festsaal.
Image source: charivari.de
