Munich Strong Beer Festival

Munich's Starkbierfest traces to Paulaner monks who began brewing an extra-strong Lenten beer in the early seventeenth century, formally served since 1651 under the name Salvator, a corruption of 'Sankt Vater' honouring their order's founder. Centred on the Nockherberg tapping each March, the festival features the Derbleck'n, a satirical political roast, and an unbroken tradition since the eighteenth century of the first mug going to a state dignitary, today Bavaria's Minister-President.

Paulaner monks at Munich's Neudeck monastery began brewing an extra-strong, high-calorie beer at the start of the seventeenth century, applying the Latin principle 'liquida non frangunt ieunum' — liquid does not break a fast — to justify drinking through the fasting weeks of Lent, and by 1651 they were serving this fortified brew each spring in honour of their order's founder.