Legend says music genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart loved to quaff a dark, tangy beer dubbed Stiegl, brewed in his native Salzburg.
The name derives from the word for a small flight of steps next to the brewery where it originated, now said to be the largest privately owned one in Austria, founded in 1492.
Whether Stiegl’s qualities helped inspire the composer to reach the musical heights may never be known.
What is without doubt is it’s stimulating effect on the tastebuds of today’s lovers of the beer.
Now brewed to a rich golden colour, Stiegl is a rarer find in Britain, but is available in Sussex, at the Red Lion, Handcross. Perhaps one reason why retired West Sussex Police officer Roger Ings frequents the hostelry, not to mention the fine dining it offers.
“It’s just over 50 years since I first travelled to Austria on that 10-day, £21 ski trip by coach to Seefeld,” he recalls. “And I’ve been going regularly ever since, summer and winter.
“I was hooked after that first trip. The culture, the people, their gentle way of life in the Tirol, the magnificent mountain scenery where I could relax in my ‘quiet place’, the icy cold, crystal clear mountain stream water and of course the beer.
“Not any old beer you understand but Stiegl-Goldbrau, embodying the qualities I describe above. What a truly wonderful taste.
“It became a standing joke with my daughters who, the moment we set foot in Austria, would exclaim: ‘We know where dad’s going first!’ They were always right of course and one of us would take the obligatory ‘first pint’ snapshot.
“Considering that the Stiegl brewery has been going for more than 520 years, I suppose you would expect it to brew fantastic beer. What a revelation then to discover that a pub on my doorstep sold it.
“Perfect with roasts and with summer nearing, I can’t wait to drag the BBQ out and pair it with a foaming pint of Stiegl Goldbrau. The taste is well worth searching out.” Cheers.