HAVE GERMAN WILL TRAVEL Starkbierzeit STARKBIERZEIT IN MUNCHEN / STRONG BEER SEASON THE STRONG BEER FESTIVAL IN BAVARIA The Bavarian fifth season: Strong Beer Festival The first thing to be said is that the Purity Law of 1516 insists that beer brewed in Germany can contain only water, malt, hops and yeast. Yet the result is a medley of highly complex aromas and tastes across an astonishing spectrum. The second is the influence of changing seasons. In spring, when it's still too cold to enjoy a stein outdoors in the beer garden, the beers of choice are bocks - Bockbier and Doppelbock: strong, malty and warming. These beers are produced in March, during the 'Strong Beer Season' (Starkbierzeit), a tradition begun by 17th century Paulaner monks brewing what they called 'Holy Father Beer' (Sankt Vater Bier). In Lent, when fasting monks were only allowed liquids, this developed into a dark beer style called 'Salvator' that was 'double' strong (doppel). Salvator is still brewed today. Oktoberfest is the most well-known beer festival in Germany - even the world - but it is far from the only bierfest. Germans love their beer and Munich is the site of several large b.efil: festivals, such as the Starkbierfest (strong beer festival) between winter and spring. The "insider's Oktoberfest", locals shake off winter hibernation with beers of Herculean strength. Starkbiers (strong, dark beers) are the drink of choice in this coldest of seasons. The festival is tied to monks, fasting and the changing of the seasons and has been celebrated since the 16th century. The barely-publicized two week event, centered around the Paulaner brewery, is a much-loved local tradition and the end to what Bavarians call the "fifth season." It may be slower-paced and less touristy than the Oktoberfest, but that doesn't make the beer maids working there any more intent on a perfect pour, society members say. Members also gather every first and third Tuesday in the Munich's most famous center-city beer hall, the Hofbraeuhaus. Starkbierfest winding down Members from the Munich-based organization have been on call in recent weeks as festivals throughout Bavaria celebrate "Starkbierzeit," or "strong beer time." The last two weeks of March and the end of Lent finds swillers in beer gardens and cellar bars delighting in Bock beer that has alcohol content of 7.6%. More Information: www.destination-munich.com/munich-strong-beer-festival. .