Where else is Starkbierfest celebrated?

Just like the Oktoberfest, the Starkbierfest has spread beyond Munich – albeit on a lower level and not across the entire planet. But assuming you either can’t make it to Munich, or just fancy going genuinely Bavarian, what are your options?

Well, if you’re coming from abroad, you can get stuck in just after you touch down outside Munich: Airbräu, the airport bar at Freising, marks the season by giving away 100 litres of strong beer free. And even if you’ve missed that first free centenary, they’ll be serving through into April for a small fee…

Fancy something a little easier to get into the than major events at Paulaner and Löwenbräu? Why not head into the suburbs and satellite towns all within striking distance of the city? Fürstenfeldbruck to the west of town, for example, boasts its Marthabräuhalle, while, a few clicks further out and to the south, the fun of Strong Beer Season in Aying awaits.

If you fancy some greenery with your beer, then rural Bavaria has what you need: villages like Maitenbeth in the Insalzach region, for example, are well known for their high-percent exploits, while the Rosenheim area is also a good bet for a nice tankard of the strong stuff. This year, the Flötzinger Brewery of Raubling is even being kind enough to run its festivities for two weeks.

And what if you’re stateside and can’t make it to Bavaria at all? Never fear, as the Craft Brewers of Arizona have decided that strong beer needs a cheerleader in the US too and hold a Strong Beer Festival every February in sunny Phoenix. If you missed it this year, put it in the diary for 2015… Or, while you’re at it, just clear enough space for a trip to Munich!