Starkbierfest in Munich
The Starkbierfest has started again in Munich. This is a beer festival which runs during the lent period. The name means ’strong beer’ and is a reference to the heavy ingredients monks used to add to their beer during the fasting season leading up to Easter. Monks were not allowed to eat much during this period, but by adding many nutritious ingredients to their beer (they were allowed to drink) they were able to effectively ‘bypass’ their requirements to fast by drinking their special calorie-laden brew. As it happens, the beer is quite strong in terms of alcohol content, rising to nearly 8%!