An old Starkbier (Strong beer) legend states, that the Bavarian monks subsidized their fasting with a specially brewed strong beer (liquid bread).

This was accepted within the Catholic Church only after obtaining the permission from the Pope.

So, many years ago to get this dispensation, they decided to send a barrel of it to Rome for the Pope’s approval. After weeks of travel, with the beer going from cold to hot under the Italian sun, it arrived there spoiled and sour.

The Pope tasted the terrible liquid, commented on the toughness of the monks for the suffering they endured by drinking this stuff, gladly gave the approval for the strong beer to be consumed during Lent.

And with this the annual Starkbierzeit (strong beer time) was started.