Carolin Steibl has made a career out of travelling to drink beer

German-born Sydney beer lover Carolin Steibl has a passion for scouting out the best pints in Europe and beyond. 

“Growing up in Germany, beer has always been more than just a drink,” Carolin Steibl says. “It’s a way of bringing people together. I love how every destination has its own brewing traditions, flavours and rituals.”

An events manager for a nationwide Australian craft beer festival she believes “drinking a country’s beer is like tasting its history”.

“The brewing techniques, ingredients and drinking customs all reveal something about the people and their way of life. Beer tells you how a culture celebrates, unwinds and connects.

“Beer tells the story of a place –its traditions, people, and even geography.”

GABS Beer SpecTAPular is in Brisbane May 23-24 and Sydney May 30-31. 

Carolin Steibl with her cousin Anna Krause at Passauer Dult in Germany.

HISTORIC HOPS

Weihenstephan Brewery, set on a hill in Bavaria with stunning views, is the world’s oldest brewery, dating back to 1040. The setting feels like stepping back in time and the beer is brewed with centuries of expertise. Their Hefeweizen is one of my favourites – smooth, slightly fruity, and perfect with a classic Bavarian pretzel and obatzda cheese spread.

Weihenstephan Brewery is the world’s oldest brewery.

FESTIVAL FIND

At Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing, one of Bavaria’s largest folk festivals, the mix of traditional beer tents, fairground rides and local culture creates an electric atmosphere. I enjoyed a classic Festbier, rich and malty, paired with käsespätzle – a delicious Bavarian dish of cheese noodles and crispy onions, the ideal comfort food for a festival day.

ITALIAN PINT

One of my favourite beer-drinking moments was in Lazise, Italy, a charming town on the shores of Lake Garda. A friend and I took our bikes for a ride along the lake and then strolled through the narrow, cobbled streets. The setting was sunny, peaceful, with views of the calm lake and mountains behind it. We stopped at a restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoyed a cold, crisp Peroni Nastro Azzurro with a classic margherita pizza.

The picturesque town of Lazise on Lake Garda, Italy.

TASSIE TYPE

Bruny Island Brewery set on picturesque Bruny Island in Tasmania offers a blend of stunning scenery and great beer. The brewery’s rustic, laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a cheese and beer tasting, where the local brews are paired with Bruny Island’s famous cheeses. I loved their Farm Ale, which paired wonderfully with the creamy Bruny Island cheddar and sharp Bruny Island blue.

At Bruny Island Brewery in Tasmania, beers are paired with cheeses.

CAROLIN STEIBL’S HIGHS AND LOWS

Bag snatch

I was riding my bike in Lombok when two guys zoomed past me on a motorbike and snatched my bag. In the bag was my tablet, which I used as an e-reader, and it had photos on it, so I was really bummed. Getting something stolen always leaves you feeling vulnerable.

Dolphin dream

Couch surfing on Australia’s northwest coast, I met an amazing bunch of people. We took a jet ski out to explore the coast and a curious pod of dolphins swam up to us. We jumped in the water and swam alongside them. Hearing their clicks and whistles was magical.

Originally published as Carolin Steibl has made a career out of travelling to drink beer