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Bamberg visit by Matthew Jessop on 2025-06-24 05:31:55 Hello fellow Franconian beer lovers,
I'll be visiting Bamberg from the 22nd until the 28th of July. Should you be a fellow visitor or even live in Bamberg - and feel like a seidla or two then feel free to make contact here.
Thank you,
Matt.
Bayreuth recommendations? by B N on 2025-06-09 00:54:58 A local (Bamberg) friend has offered to drive to some good spots in and south of Bayreuth
Not sure what will be open today(holiday) --- here's what I have so far:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Bayreuth recommendations? Kürzdörfer by B N on 2025-06-09 14:18:52 Good surprise at small
Brauerei & Landgasthof Kürzdörfer, Brauhausgasse 3, 95473 Creußen
in a neighborhood, see Jurgen's comments re: Alpine Block Style building: https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/pubs.php?IDKEY=120
to me, beautiful would timbers and good beers from locals who live upstairs(the grandson gave us directions) but mainly supported by tourists?
Bayreuth recommendations? Gradl and Herold both closed today by B N on 2025-06-09 14:21:07 Gradl and Herold nearby, both closed today(holiday)
https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/pubs.php?IDKEY=117
https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/pubs.php?IDKEY=12
Bayreuth recommendations? Pegnitz = = no by B N on 2025-06-09 14:22:54 Pegnitz was a bust
both 'just breweries', closed, not serving. AND could not find any place in town serving their beer. Maybe that's a sign.
Bayreuth recommendations? Waischenfeld by B N on 2025-06-09 14:32:37 wandered by the castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xgXwrADu6vh8gd6X9
and tower:
before wandering back down the hill, across the picturesque river, to the tiny brewery/gasthaus Br. Heckel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Uujer3tY4PYGU1LA
https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/pubs.php?IDKEY=235
Only 4 tables chockfull of old boys -- the whole place felt like stammtisch that we were invading. good unfiltered krausenbier and how can they stay in business charing so little
More a time machine than museum
Bayreuth recommendations? Aufsess by B N on 2025-06-09 14:41:07 Schroll (Nankendorf) closed so we served to Br. Rothenbach
https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/pubs.php?IDKEY=11
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7dN69UqJjfK32HP66
which feels modern/touristy to me but in the shadow of the Schloss, wrapped in greenery and a trickling stream. Lager drank like a Dunkel and better than expected. That had a Wegseidla branded bottle with Dompfen(Cluster?) hop aroma at 3.7% that seemed popular.
Bayreuth recommendations? Wilde Rose Keller by B N on 2025-06-09 14:45:41 Dropped of at Wilde Rose Keller
https://maps.app.goo.gl/57zqyGD5CR5xpaqc8
which seems to have invested significantly as we saw much more covered seating, food-trucks, bratwursten, etc.
We had their Pils which we learned is brewed by Br. Trunk (14 Holies). we also enjoyed the kellerbier which might be from a barrel.
Nice quiet stroll down the hill in the moonlight as last-call was 10pm and saw that Stohrenkeller was closed tonight but Galerie am Stephansberg was open.
Bayreuth recommendations? Wilde Rose Keller by Uncle Jimbo on 2025-06-10 13:27:32 Food trucks at Wilde Rose Keller? Don't they sell their own food?
Bayreuth recommendations? Wilde Rose Keller by B N on 2025-06-10 23:53:41 yes
that's why this surprised - they seem to be making a push to increase business including more music events.
Bayreuth recommendations? Wilde Rose Keller by Uncle Jimbo on 2025-06-11 15:54:50 Good for them! I usually only go there every other visit to Bamberg.
non-beer drinks in Franken by dmccall on 2025-04-18 09:18:31 I have convinced my adult daughter to accompany me on a trip to Bamberg this September in which I hope to concentrate on easily-accessible countryside breweries. The only problem is that she is not a beer drinker. Does anybody have an idea of the availability of wine/cocktails/non-beer alcoholic drinks at breweries in Bamberg and the surrounding region?
non-beer drinks in Franken by Uncle Jimbo on 2025-04-19 12:09:27 There are bars in Bamberg that serve cocktails as well as beer. I think some of the brewery pubs serve wine and schnapps.
non-beer drinks in Franken by Mosquit on 2025-04-20 23:25:14 Usually there is an option to get glass of wine in brewery pub - especially if you go to West along the Main, where are nice wine Kellers. Coctails - I never seen that, except of some fancy bars in Bamberg. Spirits - everywhere.
Maybe some glass of Hefeweizen could convince her to drink beer? That is usually good starting point to beer non-drinkers :)
non-beer drinks in Franken by Rob Sterowski on 2025-04-21 08:12:14 I can’t say I’ve ever looked, but many will have Franconian wine.
Local fruit schnapps are worth trying such as Mirabellenbrand or Zwetschgenbrand. Note that these are full strength liquor, not the sweetened liqueurs sold as "schnapps" in some countries.
And why not try the classic soft drinks of the region: Spezi and Apfelschorle.
Walberlafest by Manfred Hofmann on 2024-12-16 01:08:02 Hallo, friends of franconia,visit this:
www.schlaifhausen.com/walberla/kultur/walberlafest/
best day: Friday (few tourists).
Bamberg better than Ofest -- BBC by B N on 2024-09-24 16:38:29 https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240828-germanys-sophisticated-alternative-to-oktoberfest
Bamberg in January by BrianW on 2024-09-22 08:01:03 I will be making my second visit Bamberg this January. My wife and I are attending the biathlon races in Oberhof in Thüringen (about 120km/75 miles north of Bamberg), which takes place Thursday to Sunday, 9-12 January 2025. We are probably flying in to Frankfurt and possibly renting a car. Flights are way cheaper if we fly in on the 8th and go to Bamberg after for a few days on the 13th-15, but I was wondering if it might be worth it to try to catch the very tail end of the Christmas season? Any insights on what to expect in Bamberg (or elsewhere in Franconia) in dreary January, or especially things to look forward to that I might not be aware of. I'm afraid that places might close down to go on vacation after the busy Christmas season. Any cozy spots with a fireplace that are good for a long winter night of drinking? And any tips on places to visit in Thüringen would also be appreciated. The races are in the afternoon, so I'll have a fair amount of time the rest of the days.
Bamberg in January by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-09-25 20:02:56 Unfortunately, the Christmas Markets will be long gone by January. You will be able to enjoy the brewery Gastätte with wood stoves, and perhaps drink any Bockbier that is left.
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-08-27 22:37:23 I will be back in Bamberg September 28 - October 2, and October 6 - 12.
Hope to see some of you there.
Next Bamberg Visit by barry on 2024-08-28 03:53:03 I wish that I could be there to meet you, Jim. Will you be going to Eschawo?
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-08-28 21:16:15 Yes, 4 nights in Neuhaus Oct 2 - 6. Four Zoigl houses open for the holiday weekend.
Next Bamberg Visit by barry on 2024-08-29 07:25:31 That sounds great. I wonder who I would know nowadays. I see that it's Gloser and Roud'n in Eschawo and Schafferhof and Lingl in Neuhaus. Sp, if you see Martin (Gloser), Anton (Roud'n) and Kitty (Schaff), give them my regards - maybe they will remember me! Do you know my friend Ludwig Lindner (Heinebeck to locals)? I've really lost touch with them all, it's been five years since I was there - seems like yesterday.
I remember you and Mark calling me one night from Schlosshof - a great but lovely surprise!
I wish that I could be with you.
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-08-29 22:48:46 I fell in love with Schafferhof the last time I was there, and planned this trip for when they would be open. I tried to do it at the end of May when 4 places would be open, but the hotels had no rooms available. Last time I was there in July 2023, I met a man you knew, and he showed me around Schafferhof (he rode a motorcycle). I have forgotten his name.
Next Bamberg Visit by Edo on 2024-09-16 12:00:08 I am in Eschawo Okt 4. Staying at Schwanerer. Da Roude is on top of my visit list, but will probably also visit the others in Eschawo and Neuhaus
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-09-16 21:47:39 I am staying in Neuhaus at Hotel Zum Walnaabtal. It will be my first time at Zum Roudn. Maybe I will see you there?
Next Bamberg Visit by Edo on 2024-09-17 12:03:11 probably yes!
Next Bamberg Visit by Denali on 2024-08-31 08:36:19 I will in there from Oct 5 - Oct 13. My first time back in 12 years.
I am looking to attend some of the Bockbieranstich celebrations. Heller Trum is on the 10th. Mahr's is on the 11th.
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-09-02 19:27:34 Bockbierantiche are fun. I have been to Mahr's a couple times. Somehow I don't think I ever made it to Schlenkerla's so that will be a good one for me.
Next Bamberg Visit by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-09-03 18:45:24 Btw, are you the Denali from BeerAdvocate many years ago?
OT: Poland, Lithuania, and Belgium by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-06-25 23:33:47 Hey, all,
I'll be in Poland starting this Friday for a week (Warsaw 3 nights, then moving around the northeast), then 5 days in Vilnius, Lithuania, then 4-5 days in Antwerp, Belgium.
Maybe I'll see some of you there.
If you have any beer-related recommendations for Warsaw or Vilnius, please let me know.
Cheers,
Jimbo
Liebert bottles - new 6-month BBE by Hyyyna on 2024-05-15 09:27:39 Noticed earlier this year that Lieberth bottles now come with a 6 month BBE rather than the 4-8 weeks previously. The change might have happened when they switch to their new label (a great one, very impressed, best Franconian redesign in ages!). Drinking a bottle from February right now and it's splendid condition, not a guarantee a few years ago. Anyone know of any bottling process changes? Still seems to be brewery bottles & unfiltered. And great!
Jason or others opening times by Andrew H on 2024-04-26 03:36:39 Hello, Just wondering has much changed re opening times since my visit last year? Are the regular haunts ( the big six you might say) opening in the daytime? thinking of doing a last minute dash on sunday through till thursday.
Jason or others opening times by Rich K on 2024-06-15 10:30:38 I just came back from Bamberg and was there in 2023. The only change I observed is that Keesmann now opens later in the afternoon on Mondays. They used to open at 10:30 on that day. All others had consistent hours from the previous year. Have a good trip!
Tag des Bieres by David Greenlee on 2024-04-23 01:59:57 May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Tag des Bieres today. Enjoy
Zum Sternla by David on 2024-04-13 06:59:27 Can anybody tell me who makes the bier for "Zum Sternla" restaurant?
Zum Sternla by Jason on 2024-04-14 03:45:19 They brew it themselves in their onsite brewery (since 2019).
Returning to Bamberg . First time since Covid. by David on 2024-04-08 17:51:49 I am returning to Bamberg for 5 nights the end of May. This is my tenth trip but my first since before Covid. What breweries have bier von holzfass / gravity pour these days around these days? Has anything changed or is it the same type of environment?.... walk in to Spezial grab a seat and order a beer?
Returning to Bamberg . First time since Covid. by Nick on 2024-04-09 04:52:03 In Bamberg?
Schlenkerla
Galerie am Stephansberg - Brauerei Sauer
Rothenschild - Brauerei Zehendner
And most things have gone back to pre-Corona procedures, yes.
Beer prices are up, though. Between 3,70-4,20 in Bamberg..
Returning to Bamberg . First time since Covid. by David on 2024-04-09 06:40:43 Thanks.
Yes I'm Bamberg, and the surrounding area. Glad to see Zehender is still doing thing well. Do they offer bier from the barrel daily?
Returning to Bamberg . First time since Covid. by Nick on 2024-04-15 02:29:44 Well, during opening times - yes!
Returning to Bamberg . First time since Covid. by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-04-15 21:08:01 Occasionally on the weekend Strawanza will have a gravity barrel on the bar.
First visit of the year by David Greenlee on 2024-03-01 07:47:10 Hi All, I'm visiting Bamberg next week, arriving Thurdsay 07th departing Monday 11th March. Hopefully meet up with one or two of you.
Recent discoveries and appreciations by aFryn on 2024-02-28 00:16:21 Curious what you've all liked recently!
Been quite impressed by the Alt-Merzbacher Ur-Märzen from Goldenen Adler/Endres, reallyy a wonderful beer and a sure highlight of the last years! Nice Hausbrau too.
The Drosendorfer Festbier Dunkel von Göller Drosendorf was a really nice surprise too.
And in general I've found the quality of smoked beers outside of Bamberg very good. Eichhorn, Knoblach, Will!
New bar recommendations (Bamberg)? by yrno on 2024-02-07 07:19:28 Hallo!
What are the recommended bars (excluding brewery taps) with good draft/Stichfass options to visit nowadays?
- Zapfhahn
- Stephansberg
- Stohrenkeller
- Pelikan
- Rothenschild
- ...
New bar recommendations (Bamberg)? by B N on 2024-02-07 14:38:31 Catwheezle
Eckerts
New bar recommendations (Bamberg)? by Uncle Jimbo on 2024-02-07 22:18:39 Strawanza on Ob. Königstr. has a barrel a few nights per week.
New bar recommendations (Bamberg)? by AndyH on 2024-02-08 01:43:13 Galerie
Landwinkl is still bloody dreadful by Rob Sterowski on 2024-01-04 13:39:11 Well I finally got a chance to try the Landwinkl pub (it was closed the last time I was here) and I can only concur with what Jason and others have been saying: the beer is terrible. I tried A Rauchigs and it was as fizzy as Coca-Cola (if you tried to beat the gas out the foam billowed up and then disappeared completely), had an unappetising burnt nose and the beer itself was thin and slightly acidic. Really, really bad and takes the "worst beer in Bamberg" crown.
Landwinkl is still bloody dreadful by relinquishing the crown on 2024-01-04 19:17:23 not to be judgemental Rob, but is that fair to Ambräusianum?
Landwinkl is still bloody dreadful by AndyH on 2024-01-08 02:56:21 I think so, Ambräusianum beers are more boring than awful. Although, I haven't tried them in 15 years or more.
Landwinkl is still bloody dreadful by Rob Sterowski on 2024-01-08 03:24:21 Yes, it was fourteen years between my first and second visits to Ambräusianum and I don’t mind if it’s another fourteen years until the next one. I believe the famous old phrase "drinkable with considerable resentment" could be applied.
I did meet someone at the weekend who claimed some of the Landwinkl beers were quite good.
Stärk antrinken by Rob Sterowski on 2023-12-19 04:18:38 Is Stärk antrinken on 5th-6th January a big thing or more quiet and civilised?
If it’s going to be like Vatertag or a Bockbieranstich I won't bother with it.
Stärk antrinken by Jason Watts on 2023-12-19 05:20:58 It's quiet and civilizsed until beer 6 or 7, then things escalate. So if you head out early, places will be packed, but it's a fun day (at least for me). In the evening the obvious happens.
Ps it's the 6th January only, starting on 5th January is cheating.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2023-12-26 13:32:27 My recollection of it is learning of it in the newspaper after some (few?) years of living there. I may have then asked about it on here. At any rate, it never struck me as something that was celebrated much.
Stärk antrinken by Rob Sterowski on 2023-12-27 06:13:03 Looking around it seems a number of breweries don't bother with it as they're having a January break after Silvester.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2023-12-27 08:24:13 I think of it as a folklore sort of tradition out of the dark, distant past, rather than a festival celebration. I'm not sure my trying to explain what I think of it based on my very limited knowledge of it is helpful though.
"Drink up a bit, to give you strength to carry you through the rest of the winter."
Stärk antrinken by Rob Sterowski on 2023-12-27 16:29:02 Sounds much less formal than I imagined, more like the UK tradition of a pub crawl with friends in those empty days between Christmas and New Year.
Stärk antrinken by Jason Watts on 2024-01-01 05:57:45 It is celebrated. I'm not sure how else to say it. Numerous breweries have advertised their opening.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-02 07:17:07 I don't think anyone has said that it's not celebrated. I personally hear of it much.
Searching the internet for "staerk antrinken" does provide several explanations of it in German such as this:
braukultur-franken.de/fraenkische-braukultur/brauchtum/staerkeantrinken/staerkeantrinken.html
New Year's Day was celebrated on 6 Jan until 1691. The tradition to drink a Seidla of Bock for each of the 12 months dates from pre-Christian times, when strength was needed to guard against the demons and spirits who were roaming about, causing trouble during the 12 nights "between the years" that then later became between Christmas and the Epiphany.
*personally DIDN by Nick B. on 2024-01-02 07:22:21 *...personally DIDN'T hear... by Nick B. on 2024-01-02 07:22:45 Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-02 08:13:56 Assignment for you two: ascertain how much your fellow celebrants know of the origins of it and report back here. If you will be able to remember it after 12 Seidla Bockbier...
Stärk antrinken by Rob Sterowski on 2024-01-02 10:35:33 I don't think 12 Seidla of Bock is a good idea.
The most I have ever managed is 11 pints of Bathams, and Bock is 50% stronger than that.
I think we should play down the 12 Seidla idea before tourists start attempting it.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-02 13:10:36 One Seidla per day over the 12 days "between the years" though...that should be encouraged. I know of no Bock brewed near me that's NOT of the "sour chocolate birthday cake Bourbon barrel-aged hedgehog-tears" variety, so none for me.
Stärk antrinken by Jason Watts on 2024-01-03 14:08:43 12 seidla of normal beer, not bock.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-03 18:08:51 I've read both. Obviously a normal person might manage 6 litres of Vollbier in a day (I don't think I ever have though...10 pints of 4% ale does me in), and I have a hard time imagining anyone putting away 6 litres of Bock, but the article I posted above said Bock, as do others I've read. There are also references to Starkbier, presumably Festbier.
Whether or not anyone actually makes it to 12 Seidla of Vollbier, Starkbier, or Bockbier is probably not that important, I suppose.
Stärk antrinken by Jason Watts on 2024-01-04 04:00:31 No one drinks 12 seidla of bock. There are interpretations that you should drink 'strong' beer (Stärk) or drink strongly, but not that you drink 12 seidla of bockbier. I know people who do the first, and people who do the second; I don't know anyone who mixes this up. I'm sure there's someone, but a tradition that does not make.
After 8 years here, engaging in this tradition every year, I think I might be a reliable source of information by now :)
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-04 09:15:42 There's no debate, no reason to think I'm questioning your adaptation to 8 years there. The articles clearly say that seasonal Bockbier is part of the *lore*, but no one actually accomplishes that. You have your practical experience, but the lore is as described by others who've grown up with it.
Only a mythical Superfranke might accomplish it.
What do you do on the 6th? Are there any particularly good beers brewed for it to recommend to Rob?
Stärk antrinken by Jason Watts on 2024-01-04 11:21:58 Nothing extra is brewed aside from Greifenklau. I stay in Spezi as long as possible. Then wherever we want after that. Greifenklau have their Bockbier with different hop variations as usual. 1 keg at a time, 6 in total. I avoid it as bock just ruins the fun on this day. But it's interesting for sure.
Stärk antrinken by Nick B. on 2024-01-04 13:46:16 Cool. Like I said, I have no recollection of ever having done anything on the day. I suspect having been in Mittelfranken limited my exposure to it, as it sounds like the tradition is more prominent in Oberfranken.
What I remember learning about the Rauhnaechte in Austria and Bavaria never made much of the drinking aspect, rather, it was centered on the traditional warding off of the evil spirits. I don't remember if I ever even knew that that was connected to Staerk' antrinken.
OT: Krakow recommendations by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-11-24 08:31:02 Hey, group, I will be visiting Poland for the first time in a few weeks. I will stay in Krakow. I am looking forward to the Christmas Market. There seem to be quite a few beer bars and breweries in town, too. But if any of you have recommendations, please share. Thanks!
OT: Krakow recommendations by Rob Sterowski on 2023-11-24 23:52:02 I haven't been to Krakow, only Gdansk so all I can say is very generally that Polish macro lager is better than American or British macro lager but not as good as German macro lager, therefore there is more of a "craft" scene than in Germany. Some brewpubs are excellent and some are dire and there is no real way of knowing until you taste the beer. The most distinctively Polish beers are usually baltic porters, if you are lucky you might see a Grodziskie.
OT: Krakow recommendations by Joris on 2023-12-01 01:16:57 Last time I have visited Krakow was in 2022. Hence, there is a chance that a few things already changed. Dunno if you are strictly looking for a so called craft beer, but my recommendations will focus mostly on this segment, as one's liver is to precious to be washed with mediocore products at best (macro lagers I mean). However, this does not mean that a bland industrial lager cannot taste awesome and bring lots of joy in picturesque place along with a good company :)
The place for me was "House of beer" https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xqi1Mmw1M9Cm9pnG9 Good blend of old-school-historical interior and good beer. At least it used to be. They used to mainly focus on one local craft brewery "Trzech Kumpli" (three friends). And they are one of the best in region. You should definetaly try their Wheat IPA "Pani IPAni". If served in good conditition, thats some glorious stuff. At this moment of my life, i am not very fond of heavy metal stuff like imperial stouts/baltic porters, but you should definetaly share a bottle or two with your friends of this stuff made by "Kumpli". Finally, if you will get a chance to grab theirs Grodziske - do it to. Its 100% wheat ale made with smoked malt. Expect lots of tartness, dryiness balanced with smoked notes.
"Viva La Pinta" - https://maps.app.goo.gl/3dq7Tp4hM12cWdn3A
Not as cool looking or glorious tasting as "Kumpli" almost tap room of "Beer House". Still a very decent place to visit. Pinta brewery was one of the pionners of new school brewing in Poland. And I find an idea of visiting this place and giving the respect where its due instead of drinkin any macro lager as a no-brainer.
"Multi Qlti Tap Bar" - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ck92QtBwWWm8AAScA
As the name says, they just have more taps than your average beer bar. It also situated on second or maybe third floor, so also a nice change. Bar is made of multiple separate rooms, crowd here was the youngest.
"Nowy Kraftowny" - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PDeFR8oaeqks6Urf7
You will end up in Kazimierzc (to lazy to check if it spelled correctly) district in the end, I think. And this is clean and fancy looking, also quite well hidden, craft beer bar. From outside it doesn't look like a lot, but actually it is very spacy once inside. They also bake pizzas. Beer selection as every craft beer bar - pale ales, stouts-porters-sours-lager or two. Nothing mind-blowing, but used to be highest rated place on ratebeer :)
"Omerta" - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PDeFR8oaeqks6Urf7
More like pocket like bar in same Kazimiersz district. Cannot find photos what I had there, but enjoyed it more than "Nowy Krafty" which gave me pretentious hipster vibes (still so much better than just any other convinient place pouring Tyche, Lech or Zywiec :))
To sum up - I think Krakow is a tad bit overhyped in every sense, same goes for beer :D (Except "Trzech Kumpli"). If any interpretation of pale ale-sour-stout goes well for you, than you will have an awesome time. However, I am picky and was looking particulary for Grodziskie stuff and was able to find at only one place, thus the reason of dissapoitment. Have a good time!
OT: Krakow recommendations by Rob Sterowski on 2023-12-01 04:25:01 Grodziskie shouldn't be tart, surely?
OT: Krakow recommendations by Joris on 2023-12-01 05:42:04 I guess as always, it comes down to miscommunication and how one perceives the meaning of the word differentally compared to another one :) As not native english speaker, maybe I used the word "tart" too strongly in your eyes. What I meant by using "tart" is a combination of rather lean and dry body, quite high carbonisation, that hint of playful acid note typical to wheat ales and fruity yeast profile joining all together into refreshing experience.
OT: Krakow recommendations by Rob Sterowski on 2023-12-04 03:49:19 All good. "Tart" always implies a slight acidity, like unripe fruit, but not acidic enough to be "sour".
I am just a bit sensitive to the use of these words around Grodziskie, as there has been some misinformation on the web in recent years, suggesting that it was a sour beer akin to Gose or Lichtenhainer, although there is no historical evidence for that.
OT: Krakow recommendations by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-12-06 07:04:43 Thank you very much for that useful information, Joris. By the way, are you the Joris I know from Belgium?
OT: Krakow recommendations by Jason Watts on 2023-12-11 04:50:05 Hi Jimbo, my personal opinion is that Krakow is not overrated in any sense of the word, it's a beautiful small city with a burgeoning craft beer scene that can only be accused of going the same direction as many non-traditional beer producing regions (or where their traditional brewing was eroded by history).
You can find all the information online, but one place I really enjoyed on my last visit was TEA Time brewing, with real ale from 3-4 handpumps. Maybe it's because it's one of the few things I miss from the UK, but I really enjoyed a few visits. There are some good beer shops cum bars where you can get some of the more rarer beer styles already mentioned. Their names escape me but easy to find out.
Have fun!
OT: Krakow recommendations by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-12-18 17:50:00 Hi, Jason, thanks for your reply (though I am only seeing it now after I have returned home from Krakow). I agree that it is a smaller city, but with friendly people and moderate prices. The Christmarket was fantastic, and I spent hours there two of my five days. I did visit TEA Time Brewing, and spent several hours there, enjoying 3 half liters of real ale from hand pumps (though one was a Rauchbock, so I suppose Real Lager?). Most of the beer places (pubs and brewpubs) are in the Kasimierz district (old "Jewish Quarter") just South of the Old Town. There are many trams, but for the most part I walked everywhere, and occasionally called for an Uber or Bolt ride-share. I would definitely return. It is not the most beer-centric of cities, but it has a lot of history, has a beautiful Old Town and Wawel Castle, and is modestly priced.
Cheers!
Mönchsambacher's Stefan, bock by B N on 2023-11-21 08:17:39 https://beerandbrewing.com/make-your-best-heller-bock/
Mönchsambacher's Stefan, bock by David Greenlee on 2023-11-21 10:47:20 I see Zehender's Bockbier Anstich is on Saturday 16th December. A bit close to Christmas but I wouldn't mind tasting some.
Mönchsambacher's Stefan, bock by Jason Watts on 2023-12-12 02:56:19 Friday 15th ;)
Mönchsambacher's Stefan, bock by Rob Sterowski on 2024-01-16 04:50:23 Must be quite shocking for drinkers who have been "educated" that a Bock is a heavy, malty-sweet beer with hardly any hops. I don’t think the article stresses the hop character of these beers enough and that they are very different from what the received wisdom says a Bock is like.
Stephan Mahr dreams the American Dream, in California by B N on 2023-10-21 08:05:32 https://www.fraenkischertag.de/lokales/bamberg/wirtschaft/bamberger-brauerei-mahr-ex-chef-stephan-michel-expandiert-mit-der-mahrs-braeu-in-die-usa-art-296788
Stephan Mahr dreams the American Dream, in California by Nick B. on 2023-10-21 08:09:51 Fraenkischer Tag has a paywall. Nice pic, in any case!
Stephan Mahr dreams the American Dream, in California by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-10-21 18:55:41 Yes, it would be a ncie article to read.
Gerhard by Nick B. on 2023-10-13 14:20:58 
I just found this pic from Oct 2013, at the whatever-fest in Munich.
I'm sure I must've bored Gerhard with stories of how I was so in love
with British cask-conditioned beer pulled through a beer engine. I'm
sure he knew of beer engines before this, but then, there they were,
right in front of us. With a little nudging from me, Gerhard tried his
hand at pulling a pint. Well, not exactly a pint, but still, it was a very nice
little moment, very heartening for me to see.
Jason's nice tribute to Gerhard
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by Nick B. on 2023-10-12 07:08:43 Does anyone have experience with this? I remember seeing caravans and/or campervans parked on a field on the approach to the Keller at Stiebarlimbach, but never bothered to learn about whether it was Roppelt's land or someone else's.
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by B N on 2023-10-13 05:33:44 In Bug, just outside of Bamberg. And on the way 'up the hill' to Schmausenkeller
Haven't camped at either but have biked by both -- usually full of caravans.
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by Nick B. on 2023-10-13 14:05:16 Yes, now that you mention it, I've biked by the "Camping Island" one countless times. I've also biked around others farther away from Bamberg, towards Erlangen.
I don't see one near the Schmausenkeller.
I'm actually wondering for a friend, who's planning his first camping trip to Bamberg with his VW van next summer, coming from England. He's a fellow beer enthusiast, and so it would be nice to find camping right at a Bierkeller.
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by AndyH on 2023-10-17 03:42:44 The bar at Camping Insel is pretty much a Bierkeller. Several Bamberg beers on tap and outdoor seating on the riverbank.
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by Nick B. on 2023-10-13 14:26:37 Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by B N on 2023-10-13 19:19:12 and that's the same for Schmausenkeller: one of the parking areas is mostly caravans/campers
Camper/Caravan Parking at or near Bierkeller(s) by Nick B. on 2023-10-16 10:05:48 Ah, I see, danke. My friend says he can do an overnight without a power hookup. So he'll probably base himself at the island near Bamberg and then do an overnight or two here and there. He's an avid cyclist, and has been in the area numerous times in the past.
Gunnar by Nick B. on 2023-10-09 13:39:03 I just found this pic of Gunnar from when I assume he and I
first met: 15 Oct 2007, but I can't recall who took it.
Yes, he was a great Kellerwanderer, even after he contracted
whatever illness he had that kept him from climbing hills some
years later.
Prost, Gunnar!
Gunnar by barry on 2023-10-10 04:38:28 Lovely photo! Good to remember the people who made the Forum what is was for so many years.
Gunnar by Nick B. on 2023-10-10 07:28:44 Becki says she doesn't think it was she who took the pic, as she remembers having met Gunnar some years after I did. It must've been one of Gunnar's fellow Swedish beer adventurers.
What a loveable guy Gunnar was, always great to meet up with. I remember learning early on to stop feeling guilty about being on my bike between Keller(s), as he really enjoyed hoofing it between them at a good pace.
Gunnar by Nick B. on 2023-10-10 13:03:51 I recall having met you and Gunnar ...maybe Uncle Jimbo too... in the winter when we went to Gaenstaller's. And Becki collected us with her car, and puppy Tabor was along. That would've made it winter 2012-13.
Gunnar by barry on 2023-10-20 15:19:29 Me? J and me went with someone - was it you and Don? - and Gunnar to Drei Kronen in Strassgiech (?)- We got a very crowded bus from Bamberg on a very wet day. Andi came in later after brewing and brought some bottles of a new brew that he was trying. He wouldn't let us pay for any drink, only pay Manuela for the grub! He showed us the old brew house. Is the pub still there?
Gunnar by Nick B. on 2023-10-21 07:11:45 The one time I went there was with Gunnar, Jimbo, and you. Becki met us with her car and Tabor. It was a snowy winter's day. It was a tight fit with Gunnar and Jimbo being so tall.
Andi brought out (a) bottle(s) of some new beer, and yes, we only paid for food.
Becki dropped us in Bamberg, and I ended up staying too late and drinking too much. No, really!
Maybe you went another time with Don when it was raining.
Gaenstaller by Nick B. on 2023-10-21 07:19:35 Looking at the map, I don't see Gaenstaller in Strassgiech. I guess I'm woefully out of touch...googling turns up gaenstaller.de in the NW industrial corner of Bamberg.
And there's a Bockbieranstich coming up. I don't think I'll make it, sadly.
I still feel bad about spilling whatever sauce all over Jimbo's jacket at the Pelikan Bockbierfest years ago. Sorry Jimbo!
Gaenstaller in Schnaid? by Nick B. on 2023-10-21 07:45:30 Funny how much a guy can forget over the years, like how Andi started brewing in Schnaid after the Friedel family retired to the Kreuzberg.
What's obviously newer yet is Andi's aparrent move to NW Bamberg. I assume the Friedel brewery is longer active, having been left behind --once again-- for a shiny new girlfr...Brauhaus.
Gaenstaller in Schnaid? change by B N on 2023-10-21 08:42:50 "According to article, he took over the brewery from Andy, who step back from health reasons." from https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/discdet.php?IDKEY=ZXM5
"Brewer of the Gänstaller beers in Röbersdorf is Norbert Fischer, the owner of the brewery Fischer in Greuth. His brewery is closed technically since some years. " from https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/discdet.php?IDKEY=ZXM50102
https://www.bambergbeerguide.com/discdet.php?IDKEY=ZXM50101
Gaenstaller in Schnaid? change by Nick B. on 2023-10-24 13:36:33 I've just now caught up on all the twists and turns. I see what I thought was a new brewery...Braumanufaktur location in Schiffstrasse 37 Bamberg is a sales or distribution operation, not a brewing location.
Streetview of Schiffstrasse 37
All the bad news associated with these changes, it is still heartening to hear of Herr Fischer brewing Andi's beers at Roebersdorf. It's also very sad to hear of Fischer in Greuth having closed. Becki and I enjoyed visitng the sunny Keller a number of times, and I can only recall one visit to the brewery tavern itself.
Gaenstaller in Schnaid? change by barry on 2023-10-25 09:38:31 The current Gaenstaller website contains a statement saying that Andi retired on health grounds toward the end of 2021, along with his daughrer. Thus, he has no connection at all with the company that carries his name. Hamlet without the prince of Denmark?
Sad, so many of the great times that a group of us enjoyed in the 20-teens are long gone! Tempus fugit.
Gunnar by Nick B. on 2023-11-26 05:57:05 Here's another one I just came across.
22.02.2012, guess where!
DB by MikeB on 2023-09-27 09:40:07 Has anyone tried the 'upgraded' DB site . It's hopeless and doesn't work at all for me.
DB by Rob Sterowski on 2023-10-03 04:02:05 I have been on it but only to search for connections so I haven't seen it all. It seems OK to me. What are you missing from the old site?
You might get on better with the DB Navigator app?
Wir suchen gebrauchte Abfüllanlage by Ezgi Öztürk on 2023-09-25 02:13:47 Sehr geehrter technischer Leiter,
Guten Morgen !
Wir suchen gebrauchte Abfüllanlagen. Gilt das Gleiche auch für Verkaufslinien?
Danke schön.
Beste grüße
Frau Ezgi Özturk
Özbek Machinery Tic.
OZBEK GLOBAL FABRIK & EKVIPMENT Ltd.
Varna / Bulgarien
Kütahya, Türkei
ozbekglobal@gmail.com
ozbekmachinery@gmail.com
Tel-Fax: +90-274-228-0050
message for Jason by John Conen on 2023-09-17 07:18:57 Hi Jason, I'm in Bamberg 20-25 September. It would be good to meet up if you are free.
Cheers
message for Jason by Jason on 2023-09-19 05:49:43 Hi John, nice to hear from you. I can probably do Saturday, perhaps a lunchtime drink in Spezial?
message for Jason by ⁴John Conen³ on 2023-09-20 10:07:38 Sat lunchtime ok for us
message for Jason by Jason on 2023-09-20 11:27:23 Perfect, I'll book then, for 12 noon. See you both then.
Kellers Open in October by Scott D on 2023-09-07 08:28:11 Hello, I just found out that I will be in the Bamber area the first week of October. I've never been at this time of year will any of the kellers still be open? It looks like the Brauhaus am Kreuzberg might be, if so would any of the others there also be open, I recall not loving the beer at the Brauhaus but it has been many years since I visited.
Thanks!
Kellers Open in October by B N on 2023-09-07 14:43:12 Traditionally, 1-Oct is the unofficial end of keller-season. In some years when that fell on a Saturday, some kellers(Roppelt? Kreuzberg?) would offer discounted beer.
But many kellers shut down before then.
good luck
Kellers Open in October by AndyH on 2023-09-08 08:25:22 Some of the Kellers in the Forchheim Kellerwald are open all year round.
Kellers Open in October by Scott D on 2023-09-08 13:21:06 Thanks so much, I'd forgotten how many there were in Forchheim!
Kellers Open in October by Mosquit on 2023-09-11 10:27:12 There are also some Kellers that are open all year round - those are having heated placeds inside, obviously.
For example:
Kemmern - https://wagnerkeller.de/
Reundorf - https://www.schmausenkeller.de/
Hallerndorf Kreuzberg
And then some special events, e.g. Rittmayer has Bockbieranstich at the end of October ... https://www.rittmayerkeller.de/
Pretzfelder Keller is open to 8th of October https://www.pretzfelderkeller.de/
Scott's return by Mat Wilson on 2023-08-11 06:56:58 Scott Rankin and myself at in the town from 06th to 09th October. I know that he wants to hit some Bockbeer fests when we are there.
Does anyone know of a list of these fests or is it a case of looking at each brewery indvidually.
I'd also be interested if there were any Kommunebrau festival that weekend that anyone know of.
Cheers, Mat
Scott's return - Bockbieranstich dates by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-08-12 07:05:15 There are usually websites that show a calendar of Bockbieranstiche. The link below is for 2022, but the relative dates are usually similar from year to year. I assume they will update the list for 2023 soon.
https://www.infranken.de/lk/bamberg/gastronomie/bockbieranstiche-termine-und-brauereien-in-bamberg-und-umgebung-art-4446540
Scott's return - Bockbieranstich dates by Mat Wilson on 2023-08-13 07:24:55 Thanks mate. I can see the weekend getting a bit messy.
Bockbieranstich dates by B N on 2023-08-16 06:11:47 also from 2022: https://www.braufranken.de/html/bockbier.php
To me, the bigger question is how to get to the village events when most start at 5pm - thus too cold/dark to bike....
Bockbieranstich dates by AndyH on 2023-08-17 07:10:08 Stay overnight?
Frank Wetzel by Mat Wilson on 2023-08-06 03:47:41 I'm trying to get in touch with GFrank Wetzel. Does anyone have contact with him please?
Mat.
Frank Wetzel by barry on 2023-08-09 12:00:28 Email me at above address. He doesn't do the internet.
Frank Wetzel by Mat Wilson on 2023-08-10 03:29:17 Got him thanks Barry. He doesn't rent his flat out for periods of 10 days or less anymore. Looks like we've managed to get in to Spezi. Just waiting for confirmation.
Frank Wetzel by barry on 2023-08-11 15:12:32 No, he has a lot of demand because of location and because ... well, because he's Frank!
Enjoy Spezi.
Franken Visit June 2024 by AndyH on 2023-07-05 05:38:08 During advanced itinerary planning, we were thinking of going to the big spa park at Bad Staffelstein. Looking at the menu, I see the beer selection is reasonable (only in Franken).
Loffelder Pils vom Fass 0,3 l 2,90 € 0,5 l 3,80 €
Loff elder Hefeweizen vom Fass 0,3 l 2,90 € 0,5 l 3,80 €
Schederndorfer Kellerbier vom Fass 0,3 l 2,90 € 0,5 l 3,80 €
Franken Visit June 2024 by AndyH on 2023-07-05 05:41:47 Actually, not all the bars have the same selection. There seems to be bars with Nothelfer beers too. Doesn't say von Fass though, so probably bottled.
Franken Visit June 2024 by Jason on 2023-07-06 06:07:49 The restaurant has draft beer, Loffeld and a beer of the moment which changes through the year. The kiosk opens from 4pm and has Trunk in bottles.
It's a nice place.
Franken Visit June 2024 by AndyH on 2023-07-06 07:39:39 A definite in our itinerary. The admission price seems very reasonable too.
OT: Czech Republic? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-04 21:44:05 I will be visiting Prague in a few weeks for the first time. Is a day trip by train to Pilsen worth it? Looks like only 1.5 hours each way by train.
Anything else "can't miss"?
OT: Czech Republic? by AndyH on 2023-07-05 00:35:33 Depends what you want to do in Pilsen. There's a lovely little brewery hotel you could spend the night at, just out of the town, called Purkmistr.
OT: Czech Republic? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-05 00:59:34 My trip mainly about beer. I feel like as a beer lover, I should make a pilgrimage to Pilsen, home of the first Pilsner, at least once. I know that the Pislner Urquell Brewery is there, and I would visit it, but is there anything else beer-related?
OT: Czech Republic? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-05 01:20:29 This website appears to be up to date for Pilsen beer information:
https://everybodyhatesatourist.net/the-best-craft-beer-in-pilsen-czech-republic/
OT: Czech Republic? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-05 01:43:42 Actually, perhaps that website not so up to date depsite saying updated March 2023.
OT: Czech Republic? by AndyH on 2023-07-05 02:46:19 Then you should do the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour. If that fits with train times then you could do it in a day.
OT: Czech Republic? by B N on 2023-07-05 05:00:56 I agree with Andy
https://edsbeer.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-visit-to-plzensky-prazdroj-brewery.html
OT: Czech Republic? by Jason on 2023-07-06 06:12:49 I would recommend Plzen for a day or overnight stay. Purkmistr is a nice place with solid beers and good food (it's a tram ride out). You have Na Parkanu in the center which serves PU unfiltered and unpasteurized (very nice).
But of course, if you haven't done the tour it's a must, not so much for the tour itself, elements of which are a little tedious, but the tasting in the cellars is well worth it.
OT: Czech Republic? by AndyH on 2023-07-06 07:45:41 What Jason said.
Taxis are also plentiful in Plzen. I think when I last stayed at Pukmistr (for one of their Sun in the Glass beer festivals) they organised taxis from the station for us.
I think there's a big Skoda factory there too that makes trams.
OT: Czech Republic? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-06 23:21:52 Na Parkanu looks like a great place. Thanks! I will visit after my tours.
OT: Czech Republic? by barry on 2023-07-12 12:55:11 Definitely worth doing, Jim. There's a mixture of pubs - some of the city centre Urquell pubs are a bit 'restauranty' for my taste but there's an interesting little bar a few hundred metres from the station, I'll try and remember it's name. I used to go from Eschawo (via Schwandorf on an old fashioned corridor train, cost me about a five - UK£ - to Prague). I used to get off the train in Plzen, nop to the above bar, have a couple of beers and get back on the train for the quick leg to Praha.
There's a fantastic bar situated in the middle of a disused salt works en route to Praha in a place called Beroun Medved - it comes complete with a scrapyard, replete with old cars and tanks! Five minutes walk from the station, if you know where you're going!
OT: Czech Republic? by Jason on 2023-07-13 02:13:56 The pub near the station is called Klub Malých Pivovarů and it is indeed very good, especially for more traditional Czech styles / breweries.
The place in Beroun is a brewery, Pivovar Berounský medvěd. Quite eccentric.
OT: Czech Republic? by barry on 2023-07-14 09:53:12 Thank you Jason. I'm pretty sure that you recommended Pivovar Berounsky - well worth a visit. I can't remeber who recommended the Plzen pub. I know that Andy didn't like it - too Barry-style 'down and dirty' for upper class tastes! But he did take us to a nice place somewhere in deepest Plzen, which was quite good - I know that it involved a tram ride from the station and was quite deserted when we got there but we did manage to find a serving wench, eventually!
I'd post some photos but I've never worked out to do it on this Forum - thanks Fred!
Disappointing beer quality by Rio on 2023-06-28 00:29:52 The general beer quality on last weeks trip was surprisingly disappointing even after being used to the occassional less-than-average batch.
The two worst offenders:
- Schlenkerla Marzen (at the Wirtshaus): with the moldy cork taint like flavour I've come to expect there (1st day). Much better on the second day. Been going on since years now.
- Schlenkerla Krausen ("): most Diacetyl ever experienced in a beer. Revolting. Commented to the staff and after comparing it to a bottle, they said it tastes as it should. Shocking.
- Schlenkerla Stiftungsbier (bottle): Diacetyl
- Schlenkerla Helles Unfiltered (botle): Diacetyl
- Spezial Ungespundet ("): strong butyric acid (vomit) in the nose. Much better at the Keller but lightly present when warm.
Bit shocked by how glaring the issues are. Understand its difficult to locate the source, especially production continues - still disappointing and I've decided to go to Prague instead of visiting next month again.
There were quite a few more disappointments, but none as drastic as above. And reliable (it seems to be) highlights: Keesmann, Roppelt, Griess, Will - and a very good Heckel.
Disappointing beer quality by AndyH on 2023-06-28 01:39:20 That is disappointing. Schlenkerla was on excellent form when we were there last summer. We couldn't stay out of the place.
Disappointing beer quality by Jason on 2023-06-29 01:19:47 Sometimes if you're looking for things you'll find them.
Bayerischer Anstich by AndyH on 2023-06-27 06:39:16 I was sure there must be more here than I've found via the search buttom but there's not much recent discussion. Obviously in Bamberg the only Brewery still selling beer on gravity dispense is Schlenkerla. There are some other pubs like Galerie and Strawanza (maybe). Then Eichhorn Dörfleins further out. But where else has gravity dispense in and around Bamberg these days?
Bayerischer Anstich by B N on 2023-06-27 11:31:46 Last week at Schlenkerla just before 10pm, we were told bottles-only (except the Krausen which was still von Fass) at that hour, which was a bit of a surprise.
We saw 2 diff at Häschaadä Keller And three at Brandholz (Melkendorf) last Friday. Wagner Merkendorf still has at least one. Schumannskeller Bischberg, too. I thought Dorfleins had a fake (like St Georgen Brau in Buttenheim) but the 'shelf' was missing a barrel - Jason would know. Pelikan sometimes 2. And of course Mönchsambacher in the hallway under the stairs.
Happy hunting.
Bayerischer Anstich by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-27 13:38:54 Didn't there used to be a list on this site? Probably not updated but a good start.
Bayerischer Anstich by B N on 2023-06-27 17:02:58 You are correct https://franconia.fandom.com/wiki/BayerischerAnstich
Like the Calendar, rarely used.
Bayerischer Anstich by AndyH on 2023-06-28 01:26:05 Thanks.
Does anyone has up to date knowledge of any changes?
Bayerischer Anstich by Jason on 2023-06-29 01:18:13 Wow that list is old. It's unfortunately one of the trends of the past years and is continuing unabated. Eichhorn in Dörfleins doesn't have gravity - the barrel that appears on Sundays and Tuesdays just brings the beer directly up from the lagering tanks. A compromise I can live with as it tastes superb.
The Schumann Keller in Bischberg has fake barrels. As for the list, here goes; Schlenkerla will not open a new barrel if it's late as it's just a 'waste' I guess. Can still be drunk the next day though but won't be as fresh.
Schlenkerla, Bamberg YES
Spezial Keller, Bamberg NO
Mahr's Brau, Bamberg (usually, but not always - ending in 2015) NO
Lieberth's Keller, Kreuzberg. Also the Dorfkeller.YES
Brauerei Zehendner, Monchsambach (usually if there is enough people. If you are a bigger group, feel free to ask for it) YES
Lindenbrau, Grafenberg YES but not always
Neder, Forchheim YES
Löwenbräukeller, Buttemheim YES
Griess keller, Geisfeld NO
Brauerei Holzlein, Lohndorf (not always) YES
Brauerei Honig, Tiefenellern (Definately. Both in the pub and sometimes in serving hut by beer garden - always Pils, sometimes also Lager) NO
Schmausenkeller, Reundorf (Not the main house but the hut) NO
Roppelt's Keller, Stiebarlimbach, sort of (non CO2 dispense from 10 Hl bag) NO
Witzgall Keller, Schlammersdorf (Closed as of 2014) CLOSED
Brauerei Gradl, Leups-Pegnitz YES
Wagner-Brau, Kemmern (Fridays after 1600) YES but no longer the Keller
Heckel, Waischenfeld YES
Brauerei Eichhorn, Dorfleins NO
Brauerei Buettner, Untergreuth NO
Wagner Brau, Merkendorf (all the time except very morning hours "U" Lagerbier on grafity; sometimes also other beer type). Applies both for pub and beergarden at the back.
Hummel Brau Merkendorf (only Kellerbier is from gravity - barrel is hidden in "fridge" but always used except of very late night when it is empty) YES
Brauerei Knoblach in Schammelsdorf (Kellerbier) NO
Bayerischer Anstich by AndyH on 2023-06-29 01:43:09 Thanks Jason
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by mike004 on 2023-06-26 07:54:05 I will be going to Sandkerwa again this year. Flying in to FRA airport.
Are Deutsche Bahn doing any special ticket promotions this year that could save me money on the journey from FRA to Bamberg? I usually get the ICE from FRA-Wurzburg, then get the slow RB train to Bamberg.
-----
My story about Fred:
Way back in early internet days, I saw a post from Fred on one of the newsgroups, rec.arts.beer or whatever. His post mentioned smoked beer and Bamberg and made me decide to check out Bamberg in my next beer trip to Germany.
Well, I turned up in the midst of the Sandkerwa festival and was knocked out by the variety of great beer available, some of it served up in stone krugs!
I never did get much a taste for smoked beer, but Fred's post was a catalyst for many memorable beer trips to come.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Rob Sterowski on 2023-06-26 14:13:39 Book in advance. Right now I could book a lunchtime ICE train from Frankfurt airport to Würzburg on 23rd August for 14.90 one way.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-06-26 21:14:44 Scroll down on the board and look for the thread on the Deutschland-Ticket.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by AndyH on 2023-06-27 00:57:42 Depending on your airline, you may also be able to get a deal with the train ticket included with your flight. Lufthansa definitely do this.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-06-27 22:20:54 Lufthansa? Really? Do you have any more information about this.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by AndyH on 2023-06-28 01:27:46 It's on their booking engine amongst the extra up-selling stuff, if memory serves.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by AndyH on 2023-06-28 03:37:51 After selecting flights you then add passenger name details. On the next screen you can edit baggage and select seat numbers. Below that is "Rail&Fly" to add german train journeys to your flight ticket.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-06-30 15:36:48 That offer only gets you a train to or from your flight.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Rob Sterowski on 2023-07-01 13:45:20 Most of us, including the OP of this thread, fly to Germany, so I don't really understand your point.
I try to take ferries and trains where practicable, but I fly more often than not.
Rail & Fly is very often a good deal if you’re arriving by air and travelling on to e.g. Bamberg. Comparing a Friday in the middle of August, many advance fares are already more expensive than the fully flexible Rail & Fly ticket.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-01 15:58:25 I fly to Germany, too, but Rail & Fly did not sound useful to me: higher price than regular train tickets, and only good for one train trip (to or from your flight).
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Rob Sterowski on 2023-07-02 06:11:21 But a lot of the time it is cheaper than a regular train ticket. For example, travelling from FRA to Bamberg costs 66.80 EUR one way for a flexible ticket, more than twice as much as the Rail & Fly 30 EUR flat fare.
Yes, there are advance fares that come in slightly cheaper, 25.90 EUR, but you can only travel on the booked ICE. If you miss it, you’re out of luck.
I wouldn’t book an advance fare that was only 4 eur cheaper than a fully flexible one. Not if I were connecting from a flight that might be delayed.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-07-02 11:51:46 Good point. Flexibility is valuable.
Deutsche Bahn ticket promotions? by Rob Sterowski on 2023-06-28 03:51:46 Yes, Lufthansa are really good at integrating rail and air travel.
Rail & Fly is often a very good deal depending on how far you have to go from the airport to your ultimate destination. It’s not necessarily cheaper than an advance ticket but it is completely flexible (i.e. you can take any train you like) and is probably cheaper than a flexible ticket bought from DB.
Another thing Lufthansa do is that on some routes you can book a through ticket and the inner-German leg is actually a train. Last year I flew to FRA and changed to an ICE going to Leipzig and it was all on the same Lufthansa ticket EDI—XIT (this is why some railway stations, like Leipzig Hbf/XIT, have airport codes).
I think Eurowings (subsidiary of Lufthansa) offers Rail&Fly too.
Management of Site by barry on 2023-06-24 14:29:32 Good news!
I've just a conversation with one of Fred's closest friends. He is also a big friend of Bob Waltman, who I got to know during Fred's weekly Covid Zoom conference. He told me that Bob is hoping to takeover as adminstrator to enable the Forum to contune, Like most of the Waltman family, Bob is a beer enthusiast and accompanied Fred on many of his trips to Franken.
I think that the best thing we can do is contribute as much as possible to the Forum as an encouragement. Sadly, mine will be largely reminscences, as I can't travel to Franken anymore.
Take care.
Management of Site by Rob Sterowski on 2023-06-25 12:55:24 That's terrific news.
I very much look forward to reading your reminiscences. I would urge everyone to write as much of that sort of thing as possible.
What I have learned in the last 15 years or so is that beer history moves faster than anyone imagines. Franconia might seem unchanging, but it isn't.
We are lucky to have snapshots of time like Stefan Mack's book, but someone has to take the new snapshots.
Status of this site... by ToddA on 2023-06-14 13:04:18 From what I have ben able to uncover Fred did not want anyone to have sole control of this site. Which means no one can take over the various sites he maintained including this one. If what I see is true the domain will be turned off so to speak on 7/27/23.
Status of this site... by Nick B. on 2023-06-14 15:37:58 That's really too bad.
Status of this site... by Rob Sterowski on 2023-06-15 02:40:25 To be honest it is pretty quiet here these days anyway, but the archive of discussions going back 20 years is historically of great interest. Is it simple to take a copy, as it is all public pages?
Perhaps we can set up a replacement forum from which the archive would be readable.
Status of this site... by Mark Andersen on 2023-06-15 05:33:46 There is an active Franconian Beer facebook group nowadays. I realize this is no help to anyone without a FB account but at least it something to fall back on.
Status of this site... by Jerry on 2023-06-16 05:33:26 Fred's brother said he is planning on maintaining Fred's various apps etc. He didn't specifically mention this site though. He needs to get out to California to figure out what he needs to do. I don't know when that might happen.
Thank you for update! by ToddA on 2023-06-16 19:18:45 Happy to hear it won't disappear.
status by Robert Waltman on 2023-07-26 06:33:10 I will do what I can to keep the site active. The costs are minimal currently so that is not an issue.
Kind regards to everyone,
Robert.
status by Scott D on 2023-07-26 06:50:30 Thanks so much Robert, this site has been such a valuable resource over the years! I rarely post here but have learned a lot from the shared wisdom of this group.
status by Jason on 2023-07-26 07:02:33 Thanks Robert, my personal condolences to you and your familly.
Best
Jason
status by Jeff Romain on 2023-10-17 20:58:52 Your efforts are truly appreciated, Robert. The way I see it, this forum is an invaluable resource that's worth keeping alive in order to help preserve and celebrate the spirit of Franconia and the beer we all enjoy.
Warmest regards to you and yours.
Jeff
status, Dusseldorf by B N on 2023-10-18 05:52:16 FWIW:
He and the StickeWarriors were just in Dusseldorf (after Antwerp/Kulminator, Koln ) toasting Fred (and drinking the Sticke Alt). Heading to Bamberg today.
Admin??? by ToddA on 2023-06-13 15:10:18 I was looking for hosting info for this page on ICANN and there appears to have been some activity on 6/13. This may be coincidental it's there. On 7/27/23 the domain lapses and would I assume go dark. I've posted on here a few days ago with just Jimbo responding. Thanks Jimbo. Thoughts?
Admin??? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-13 21:40:34 I don't know what can be done if it was in Fred's name. I suppose there is a chance he paid for it for a few years? Maybe Fred's family knows.
Admin??? by Andrew H on 2023-06-14 01:58:07 Sorry, I can be of no help as I have no knowledge of domains etc.But hope that someone will be able to keep all the info and keep the site running.
Admin??? by Jerry on 2023-06-16 05:39:15 I will make sure Fred's brother is aware of the domain expiring.
Admin??? by Mark Andersen on 2023-06-14 07:39:59 I'm sure we'd all like to see this site continue. But I'm not sure if Fred made any arrangement to keep this or any of his beer guide sites going via a friend or family member. I wouldn't even know who to ask.
Admin??? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-14 17:41:33 After I heard of his passing, I went to the Apple App Store and bought all of his Beer Guides that I did not have already. Eventually they will be outdated since they won't be updated any longer, but I still wanted to have them. I wonder who will get the money from them now?
Admin??? by Carl on 2023-06-15 07:15:14 Was he married ?
I think we all know he has a brother, but I don't know how to contact him.
Admin??? by Barry on 2023-06-15 13:20:50 Yes, he was married. He has two brothers and lots of very close cousins. Also a myriad of very closesely attached friends - I'm in touch with one or two. It may be worth consulting a bit wider afield before attempting anything that may not have been his wish.
Admin??? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-15 21:34:38 Barry, could you get in touch with your contacts and see what you can find out about this site? It sounds like time is of the essence since the domain may expire in a month or so.
Communal Brewing in Franken by Jason on 2023-06-12 22:05:24 One of the least known about or explored elements of Franconian brewing are the many communal breweries that exist very much under the radar. Many know about Zoigl country, a few more about Seßlach and Pegnitz. But there also exist much less commercial examples that still brew only for themselves/residents. Brünn, Dörflis, Junkersdorf, Rehau (publically available) and Umfinden to name a few.
Whilst it's a real inside job to get to try these beers, many of them have festival weekends where they are permitted to sell the beer to the public. Of course, the next step is dividing out when. But slowly online information is getting more prevalent here and this summer I will manage a few fests, starting this weekend in Brünn (Ebern). Next weekend there is one in Umfinden (Haßfurt) and in a few weeks Junkersdorf and Dörflis. As you can see, they aren't exactly public transport friendly places.
To me, this feels like the last unexplored bastion of Franconian brewing. I know Manuele from Rome is doing some research into it and a friend of mine here stumbled into a private communal brewing event a month ago where some 13 communally brewed beers from different villages were being served from barrels - somehow they allowed him to stay.
I'm probably going in with much too much expectation and romanticism, but somehow, brewing because you like beer and want to drink it yourself has a lot more fundamental passion to it than brewing commercial beer for others (don't get me wrong, passion also very much exists in the latter as well, just not so completely I guess).
Maybe passion is the wrong word, maybe it's just a need or even a hobby. Either way, as we see with home brewing often enough, passion can be a blessing or a curse - I'm sure there will be mixed results but it's very exciting all the same.
Communal Brewing in Franken by Andrew H on 2023-06-13 11:23:24 I see the usual curse of the internet ( of course it has many great usages as well) in the sense that even small mentions of these communal brewing sessions will lead to the demise of the fundemental thing that makes them so special.
I believe that Zoigl brewing has to some extent gone down that path, with the internet making it so easy for us to find out transport opening times etc. leading for one thing to the end of the Zoigl open weekend.
Its the Venice, York,Dubrovnik syndrom, the very thing that makes them attractive to those who "discover" them leads to the demise of the special quality visiting provides.
This is my long winded way of saying probably be a bit selfish Jason, and keep stumm.
Communal Brewing in Franken by Barry on 2023-06-15 13:31:11 As a longtime lover of Zoigl, I can only agree, Andy. But, it's the old thing - everyone has a friend and so on.
Fortunately, Zoiglland was relatively far from the territory of most beer enthusiasts (generally, a decent a, geneous and well-meaning group of people), and the odd structure of the schedule was also off-putting, unless you were willing and able to stay for long periods (I was lucky to be able to manage that). I don't know any of the places that Jason has mentioned and certainly won't be attempting to visit for other reasons. I reckon that the relative obscurity will put off all but the most enthusiastic and, if like Jason, they manage to find their way to the promised land, good luck and happy drinking to them - and Jason, of course.
Communal Brewing in Franken by Frank on 2023-06-17 11:50:15 Anyone else go to this? I was there for a couple hours today. Its also a Mittlealtermarkt (midevil festival) and from what I found there is only 1 hausbrauer selling beer there. Maybe on Sunday there will be more?
To defend Barry for sharing this info, hes not blowing up the spot on something esoteric. This event was heavily advertised. I think that things like this help the hausbrauer get needed money to make more beer. They where very welcoming to my money haha. Plus its not something as organized as Zoigl. So it would be super hard for an American beer toursit to attend one of these. Anyway, thanks for sharing the info Barry!
Communal Brewing in Franken by B N on 2023-06-19 00:12:36 http://www.diebruenner.de/hausbrauer.html
We went to the fest near the brauhaus: http://www.diebruenner.de/brauhaus.html with excellent beer, good food and friendly people.
They have this festival to raise money for the fire department.
Communal Brewing in Franken by Jason on 2023-06-25 00:43:02 I went to both the Mittalterfest in Ebern and the communal brewery festival in Brünn. I enjoyed both but I found the beer in Ebern was far better (not because Brünn wasn't good but that the other was outstanding). It was another communal brewery, brauhaus höchstädten, which is in a small village near Brünn. They had a weizen and a lightly smoked dark beer (both from barrels). Round the corner was an outlet selling Sonne (Mürsbach), also from the barrel. All in all a great day.
This weekend there was a fest in Unfinden. The following were/are on my list over the next weeks;
Braufest:
Brünn 17/18.6.
Ummerstadt 17/18.6.
Unfinden 24.6.
Junkersdorf a.d.W. 8/9.7.
Rügheim 15.7.
Dörflis 30.07
Communal Brewing in Franken by B N on 2024-07-19 08:20:29 how many did you make it to this year/2024?
To anybody acting as Admin for the message board by ToddA on 2023-06-12 21:38:11 I'm an infrequent user here and have a simple question for any who will answer. With Fred's passing(RIP) who will be dealing with payment of the hosting of the page? I can't imagine it can go too long without some sort of maintenance and hosting fees being paid. Excuse me if it is none of my business. I don't want the page going dark... Todd
To anybody acting as Admin for the message board by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-12 22:54:38 I would hate to see this stie go away as well. I'd be willing to pay a bit to keep it going.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-10 07:12:30 Jason, Mike and I will be in Bamberg from next Friday. I dont think I have your contact details anymore. Would be happy to meet up anytime from Monday to Thursday19th-22nd) if youre around. Cheers
Hi Jason by Andrew H on 2023-06-10 08:03:06 Next monday is the twelth John. Thursday is the 15th.?
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-10 08:19:02 I mean the Monday of the following week, ie a week on Monday. Think I need a beer!
Hi Jason by Jason on 2023-06-12 02:02:04 Hi John, thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately I am heading to Italy on Monday 19th for a few weeks.
I presume you have something already planned for this coming Saturday 17th (day)? On Sunday I'm heading to Bruenn (near Ebern, but a hike away) for their Communal brewery open weekend festival. I'll be cycling. Would be interesting but also a lot of time invested when you're on holiday.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-12 06:51:16 Oh, thats a shame, presumably work if its for a few weeks?
Festival sounds interesting, but its an 8km walk from Ebern according to Google, so a little bit too far, I think.
Hi Jason by Jason on 2023-06-12 22:07:54 It's a well deserved holiday for my wife and I :)
What'a your plan for Saturday? Andrew H is over as well with a first timer so not sure how viable it is but would be up for a Saturday afternoon mini group session if it's appealing. Perhaps at the Spezi Keller.
if not, there'll be next year of course.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-13 03:56:53 I will speak to Mike and let you know. We were thinking of doing our usual VGN weekend thing and heading off to Amberg.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-13 03:56:54 I will speak to Mike and let you know. We were thinking of doing our usual VGN weekend thing and heading off to Amberg.
Hi Jason by Andrew H on 2023-06-13 11:26:45 We would be up for a threesome,
even if John cant make it. Hi Jason by Jason on 2023-06-14 04:38:24 Great then let's say Spezi Keller from 3pm...
Hi Jason by Andrew H on 2023-06-14 06:32:50 Okey dokey.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-15 13:55:51 Looks like we aren't going to make Saturday afternoon. Might be able to get up there in the evening, and we will probably be in tthe Wilde Rose/Spezi on Friday night planes/trains permitting. Have a great afternoon, will be amazing for the newbie, and have a good holiday Jason.
Hi Jason by Carl on 2023-06-12 07:25:01 Jason: Where is this Bruenn (Brünn?) of which you speak? I couldn't find it on Google maps. The only Kommunbrauhaus I could see in the area is at Seßlach.
Hi Jason by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-12 07:55:37 Carl, I searched for Bruenn, Ebern on google maps and it comes up OK. Northwest of Ebern.
Hi Jason by Carl on 2023-06-13 07:05:23 Found it using "Bruenn (Ebern)" as the search term...
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf by Joris on 2023-06-08 08:38:16 Hey, some advice is needed.
Upon checking working hours of Brauerei Weber in Röbersdorf, I found out they are usually closed on Thursdays (https://www.brauerei-weber.de/oeffnungszeiten-box/). However, event info (https://www.brauerei-weber.de/veranstaltungs-box/) mentions, to quote, "Thursday 15.06.2023, Kirchweih battle bowl from 10.00 a.m. kettle meat, from 11.30 a.m. broth with dumpling and battle bowl". So does it mean that due to festivities they will be open from 10.00 a.m. and there will be a possibility to grab a beer on our way to Kreuzberg?
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf by Nick B. on 2023-06-08 12:25:32 "Battle bowl" is a translation of Schlachtschuessel I'd not thought of before.
Yes, it certainly does look like you could fill up with a "slaughter platter" and Landbier from 10:00.
Weber was an old cycle route favorite of ours, though I honestly can't remember now how much we liked the beer. A lovely, tastefully modernized village Gasthof.
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf by Nick B. on 2023-06-08 12:27:52 Tell them how far you've travelled from, and they might even treat you to the snout, as guests of honor!
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf by Joris on 2023-06-09 03:04:50 Thanks to sharing info :) Then we will definetally hit it up.
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf - schlachtschüssel by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-08 19:48:19 OMG, a schlachtschüssel?? I would be there in a hearbeat. I love those meals.
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf - schlachtschüssel by Joris on 2023-06-09 03:05:50 Ha ha, will tell my companions that we are skipping the breakfast for this!
Kirchweih Röbersdorf and Brauerei Weber Röbersdorf - schlachtschüssel by Nick B. on 2023-10-19 15:31:59 Not from Weber in Roebersdorf, but this one was on 02.09.2009.
Guess where.
BARRY -- DON'T LOOK!
Keller wetter by Andrew H on 2023-06-06 01:19:40 Looking for personal experiences of showery keller wetter. Now of course I know that the kellers only open in fine weather, I am thinking more of those days of warm sunshine and odd showers. I have seen the squidgying ( not a word) of tables and benches between showers, But wonder any of you have witnessed kellers closing mid session in such weather conditions? Or indeed not opening on showery days.
Keller wetter by Jason on 2023-06-07 02:30:28 It very much depends on how showery/how sunny. Summer thunderstorms don't cause them to shut unless they are prolongued and it's already late. If the chance of prolongued rain is there and less sunshine / cooler temps they will take a decision. Generally, if it's warm, they'll open and take the risk.
A lot of them have facebook where they update on the day in case they're closing/not opening. The weather here in summer tends to be dry, so even if rain is forecast it often misses or is isolated. So more often than not you'll be fine.
Keller wetter by Andrew H on 2023-06-07 13:23:38 I hadnt thought about facebook, good idea. I am bringing a first timer over with me this trip and would like him to get to a keller but dont want to get there to find it closed.
Typical the bloody forecast is for rain or showers the 4 days we are there, but as you say it may well miss.
Keller wetter by Jason on 2023-06-07 23:31:46 If you're referring to next week I wouldn't pay attention to the forecast now - it's to be hot and sunny the next week and maybe thunderstorms when you're here but nothing serious I don't think.
You can always drop me a message and I can find out if a given keller is open.
Keller wetter by Andrew H on 2023-06-08 01:19:57 That would be handy, thanks.I know it's not Keller's that you and I would think of,but Forcheim kellerwald might provide a taste of the real thing if all else fails.
Fred by TreinJan on 2023-06-01 11:23:30 Fred was one of the people that gave me an lot of information about Bamberg and Franconia. He will be missed. Rest in pdeace, Fred.
Fred by Mat W on 2023-06-01 12:30:35 Absolutely shocked by this news. Fred was one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He introduced me to Bamberg and its environs and paired me up with my good friend Scott Rankin when he lived in Kemmern some 15 or more years ago. We had a very memorable day out to Kreuzberg and the kellers. Fred's passing will be a huge loss to both Franconian beer scene and the Europen scene as a whole. RIP Fred.
Fred by Toru on 2023-06-02 10:33:15 Greatest appreciation for Fred. Love!
Fred by Rob Sterowski on 2023-06-05 07:50:00 Very shocking and saddening news. I was fortunate enough to share beers with Fred in London, Bamberg and Düsseldorf over the years – I never arranged to meet him, just happened to be there at the same time, which shows just how often he was over in Europe drinking the classic beers he loved so much.
If there is a heaven, I hope Fred is there now, cycling from Keller to Keller on a bike that never gets a flat tyre.
RIP Fred, thanks for the inspiration... by ToddA on 2023-06-01 10:38:35 Sad news today. There is much to say but I just want to say Thank You. This message board, the guide book you assembled and our correspondence. It all helped make German Beer and Germany in general great. There's so much more... RIP
Fred Waltman by Jason on 2023-06-01 08:23:09 Dear forum members, I have just heard the sad news that Fred Waltman passed away today. As founder of this fantastic forum many moons ago, a visitor to his and our beloved Franconia over the years and decades and someone I called a friend and often met with in Bamberg, I am deeply saddened by the news.
I was aware he was unwell and was unlikely to return, but it is a shock nonetheless. I know many of you would like to leave feedback or make your own personal farewells.
RIP Fred Waltman.
Fred Waltman by Mark Andersen on 2023-06-01 09:51:16 Very sad and shocking news.
I sometimes would joke that I stand on Fred's shoulders as I would have been very unlikely to learn about Franconia without this forum and also would have not made the many friends that I have here (in fact one such friend is visiting me in the US now). He had broad shoulders indeed
Thank you for everything Fred. We'll have a beer in your honor today
Fred Waltman by Andrew H on 2023-06-01 10:17:48 I also just heard the news, and am very shocked. I had no idea he was ill.
I only met him a few times, But he was hail fellow well met. And to echo Mark this forum has been the inspiration and information for many people and many trips.
He will be widely missed and mourned.
I will raise a toast to him in Bamberg in a couple of weeks time.
Fred Waltman R.I.P. by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-01 23:10:37 I was very sad to hear that Fred passed away today. He was instrumental in my discovery of Bamberg and my love for Franconian beer. I believe it was in 2003 that I discovered this website and forum, and posts here convinced me to take my first ever vacation to Germany, and specifically Bamberg. I had the pleasure of meeting Fred several times over the years during visits to Germany, and I tagged along with him and his Sticke Warriors a couple of times to Dusseldorf. I also attended the Kerstbier Festival in Essen, Belgium, where I saw Fred (he loved that fest). I believe that last time I saw Fred in person was in Spring 2016 in Bamberg, but I also did a few Zoom Stammtisch videoconferences during the early years of the COVID pandemic. He was a great guy, and he will be truly missed. I hope someone takes up the mantle to continue this website.
R.I.P. Fred Waltman
Fred Waltman R.I.P. by AndyH on 2023-06-02 01:26:37 Sad news indeed. I never met Fred, but found my way to this website and Franconia through Tom Perera, who I met a couple of times. Without these inspirational characters, and others, I may never have discovered this amazing world and met so many of you amazing people.
So long Fred, and thank you for everything.
Fred Waltman R.I.P. by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-06-02 01:38:13 Terribly sad news. First discovered this site maybe 20 years ago, first met Fred in the Spezi keller around 15 years ago. Subsequently spent a memorable evenig with the Stcke Warriors in Dusseldorf and a couple more meetings in Bamberg. This site has immeasurably improved my experiences in Bamberg and Franconia. RIP Fred.
Fred Waltman R.I.P. by David Greenlee on 2023-06-02 03:50:43 I had the pleasure of enjoying a beer or three with Fred on many occasions, in the US, London, Dublin and of course in Franken. We didn't always agree however I found his company most agreeable indeed. May you rest in peace old friend
Fred Waltman R.I.P. by barry on 2023-06-10 15:29:11 A bit late to this thread, sympathies posted elsewhere. It's hard to add anything new to all these testimonies, can only replicate. So many memories - stand out is probably the first organised Forum meet up in Spezial (can't remember the year), followed by a memorable visit to the late lamented Canalissimo. Later, I had a lovely few days with him in Prague, where I really appreciated his great knowledge and more important great friendship.
Like Jim, I attended quite a few of the Covid-Zoom sessions and met a lot of his family and friends.
One final personal memory: when I was in the process of publishing my last book, I needed a website - Fred happily volunteered to design and publish one for me and wouldn't take a dime. A true friend and gentleman. RIP.
Fred Waltman by Nick B. on 2023-06-07 14:51:25 What horrible news. I only heard very recently from Barry that Fred was un-well.
Such a wonderful person, as everyone else has said already. I honestly don't remember when I first met him, maybe it was with the Sticke Warriors in 2006. I don't even remember if I knew about this site before I first landed in Bamberg in 2002.
Thank you, Jason, for the tribute.
Zum Wohl, Fred!
New Deutschland-Ticket by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-29 09:17:24 I have read about the new Deutschland-Ticket which allows for unlimited local train rides for €49 per month, similar to last Summer's €9 ticket. The big difference to me is that this new one must be subscribed to, which means it will renew every month. The DB website says it may be canceled any time, but in my past experience it is very difficult (for foreigners) to cancel anything with DB.
What does the group think?
https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/deutschlandticket
New Deutschland-Ticket by Jason on 2023-05-31 00:57:01 You need a Gernan bank account or at least an EU one (I think). Cancelling is simple enough but you need to do it quick enough to avoid it rolling over.
It's to help German citizens deal with the increased cost of living crisis / energy crisis and is not meant for tourists. It's funded by the German tax payer.
New Deutschland-Ticket by TreinJan on 2023-05-31 01:54:15 Can be done with credit card, depends where you buy it.
Jon Worth knows a lot about it.
https://jonworth.eu/
New Deutschland-Ticket by TreinJan on 2023-05-31 02:59:48 New Deutschland-Ticket by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-31 23:27:51 Thanks!
New Deutschland-Ticket by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-31 04:31:21 And I am very grateful to the German tax payers including yourself Jason! Be it known that the money I saved on transport was spent in German hotels, shops, restaurants and beer gardens, boosting those sectors of the economy!
New Deutschland-Ticket by Jason on 2023-05-31 06:04:44 What, you wouldn't have spent that otherwise? Left your caravan at home I suppose?
If you can afford to go on holiday you can afford full fare. It's hardly expensive if you travel regioal transport.
New Deutschland-Ticket by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-31 03:54:36 I used it at the beginning of this month to go from Munich to Berlin over the course of a week. It's absolutely magical not having to concern yourself with what type of ticket you need, where it is valid or how long it's valid.
I bought mine in the Munich public transit authority app, which allows you to use a credit card. https://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/journey-planer/mobile-services/mvv-app/index.html Instructions on canceling it are included in the confirmation email.
I didn't have any luck trying to buy it from DB, despite having a SEPA euro account. It should have worked, but didn't.
New Deutschland-Ticket by Joris on 2023-06-08 02:06:35 As always, I am overthinking, thus looking for the best solution :)
What are those cancellation instrunctions - complicated excerise or quite smooth and easy?
New Deutschland-Ticket by Joris on 2023-06-08 03:41:44 FYI, went with Munich public transit authority app and sharing a thing or two regarding how cancellation works.
Cancellation is easy peasy - thing is, subscribtion should be cancelled before 10th day of the month. For example, if you wish to use ticket only for June, you should by it before 10th of June and instantly go with a cancelation request. Cancelation request is done via link sent to you in email once a ticket is purchased. It's very simple operation which involves user (me/you) providing system with your email and full name for verification. If cancelation request is done properly and was accepted, one receives an confirmation email.
Anyone going to Windischeschenbach this July? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-26 19:08:54 I am planning a visit to Windischeschenbach ("Eschawo") July 14-17, then off to Prague. Anyone else going to be there? At least 3 Zoible Stube open that weekend.
A Franconian brewery I didn't know! by Jürgen Wening on 2023-05-24 03:41:12 Just found a Gasthausbrauerei in Alzenau/Unterfranken that I really didn't know. It's called Hotel-Gasthof "Zur Brezel" and their homepage says, they brew since 2004 just for their pub. Has anyone been there so far? Really funny that this brewery obviously operates completely under the radar.
j.-
A Franconian brewery I didn't know! by Andrew H on 2023-05-25 00:35:42 Blimey! thats nearly Frankfurt, I hope the beer is better than the reviews for the hotel.
A Franconian brewery I didn't know! by Sascha on 2023-05-26 02:33:49 Soll schon seit 2008 nicht mehr brauen
Me again! re kellers by Andrew H on 2023-05-18 00:10:07 Anyone know if its possible to get between Spezi keller and Wilde rose keller? satellite images seem to show it could be possible through the wooded area to the observatory.
Me again! re kellers by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-18 04:07:11 It’s never occurred to me to try, but you could have a look. I imagine there is probably a fence or two in the way.
Me again! re kellers by Carl on 2023-05-18 07:08:06 I think you can. I was at Spezial Keller a couple of months ago (Wilde Rose wasn't open yet), but I'm pretty sure I saw a sign on the West end stating "Wilde Rose". I've never used the passage, though. I'll bet Jason will know !
Me again! re kellers by Andrew H on 2023-05-18 12:31:36 To be honest I had never clicked re the closeness of the two, I will check it out in June.
Me again! re kellers by Mosquit on 2023-05-18 14:06:59 I can't tell you the latest status, but during by last visit, around 5 years ago, it was for sure possible to quickly walk between these two Kellers.
Me again! re kellers by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-05-18 22:56:36 I've never found a way other than by going out onto the road
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-20 00:24:34 I have been told that many years ago the gate between the two Kellers was open, but then something happened, bad blood, and it was never open again. Now, as far as I know, you must walk down the hill from Spezi Keller and onto the main street and back up the hill the long way around to Wilde Rose Keller. It is a shame since they are adjacent to each other.
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Andrew H on 2023-05-20 02:41:16 Yes I suspect your right Jimbo. I was clutching at straws trying to avoid the uphill bit of the walk between the two.
Its seems a bit like cutting of the nose to spite the face, as I suspect that a fair bit of trade would be generated for both kellers by people back and forthing between the two.
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Carl on 2023-05-21 07:27:04 Be sure to let us know the answer to this important question when you arrive !
I heard a similar story, that it was open, then was closed.....
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Andrew H on 2023-05-21 08:38:33 Not sure of its general importance, But to an old man with bad knees anything that saves uphill walking is important lol.
I will be sure to resolve the matter when there.
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Jason on 2023-05-21 15:32:42 Never walked through. But that doesn't mean there's no way ;)
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by gavin brooksbank on 2023-06-02 05:36:05 i was there last month and tried everything to either get through the gate or get around it another way but couldnt, without resorting to climbing some high walls, so i had to go the long way round, so frustrating
Spezial Keller to Wilde Rose Keller by Andrew H on 2023-06-02 11:30:44 Thanks Gavin, answered my query spot on. Heresy to many I know but I am not a huge admirer of Spezi keller.
except the view, a spire and some random rooftops.nice. But if it was possible I would make the effort through a gate to visit both.
Bamberg in June by Andrew H on 2023-05-17 01:31:24 Well, I am once again lured by the siren that is Franconia. I have clicked the buttons on Mad paddys flying circus, and secured what is by todays standards, reasonably priced digs. So I will be staying in Bamberg from the 15th of June untill the 19th. And of course would welcome a chat over a seidla with anyone else who is about.
Bamberg in June by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-05-19 09:21:35 Andrew, are you leaving on the 19th, or will you still be in Bamberg? We can meet then, probably in Bamberg itself if you are staying.
Bamberg in June by Andrew H on 2023-05-19 10:27:59 Yes leaving on the 19th John. Those were the only dates that fitted.are you arriving on the 19th?
Bamberg in June by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-05-21 08:16:54 We arrive on 16th in the evening so can't make any firm plans for then, though I suspect that if there are no delays we would be hitting Wilde Rose/Spezi at some stage. Unfortunately we are busy at the weekend, so it's not looking possible, I'm afraid.
Bamberg in June by Andrew H on 2023-05-22 00:53:45 No problems, have a great trip.
Random Bamberg by Andrew H on 2023-05-17 00:21:56 A bit of random info for any beer/railway fans on this board. Whilst trawling through satelite images of Bamberg (as one does) I discovered the remains of two large Roundhouses, showing that in the age of steam Bamberg must have been a substantial hub and repair shop.
Random Bamberg by Mosquit on 2023-05-17 07:37:58 You could see it e.g. in this video around time 11:10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLl0uG9br3I
There were some tracks, e.g. via Mönchsambach ;-) some videos are here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8thEXgW65P4
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-poYYOH2BI
There were also trams in Bamberg :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUcdr26FKXs
Random Bamberg by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-17 23:34:54 Wow, cool old photos of Bamberg! The Bahnhof looks very similar today as 100 years ago.
And Brauerei Spezial and across the street Gasthof und Brauerei Zum Fäßchen !
Thanks
Sub 4.5% beers by Chru on 2023-05-16 04:04:24 Curious to find out about a few more 4.5% or below beers.
First two:
Schlenkerla Helles
Griess Halbstarker
Sub 4.5% beers by Jason on 2023-05-16 04:48:49 Not enough that's for sure, and those that are are almost all sub 3% which, personally are no longer 'beer' (I'm not suggesting they shouldn't be drunk or anything, just that, if I want a beer, I want a beer).
The Czechs do it so much better in my opinion, even at 3%. One though that springs to mind is Brotzeitseidla from Goeller (Zeil) at 4.3%. It's pretty good actually.
Ps Griess Halbstarker I have never seen, certainly not in Geisfeld. And it sounds under 3%
Sub 4.5% beers by Chru on 2023-05-19 00:22:38 Yes, Halbstarker is a new release trialed occassionally at the Keller last years. Supposed to come back this year. And indeed 2.5%. Recall one Franconian brewery with only mid 4% beers but can't remember the name, shame. Thanks for the Göller suggestion, will seek it out. The Czechs indeed have a wonderful Leichtbierkultur. Hopefully we see some lighter beer soon.
Sub 4.5% beers by Jason on 2023-05-23 03:14:58 Agreed, but I'm still a little uncomfortable with the word 'Leicht' which, as you'll know, is almost exclusively for under 3.5% beers (normally under 2.5%. It also suggests that the beer would also be 'light' in taste, which is not what we're referring to. A schankbier is probably the style, though it's rare.
Being British, I really appreciate the quality that a 3.8% beer can bring, especially at the beginning of a session, a work night or on a warm day. And good quality Pilsner Urquell (tankovna) I can drink all day at 4.4%. Small differences in taste but fairly large ones in alcohol content.
Sub 4.5% beers by JackAnderton on 2023-05-26 12:28:01 Leikem Sommer Seidla is a recent example I tried. 3.% abv. As expected, lemony, soft textured, sweet and wheaty with a mercifully drying element at the end. Not one to get the purist's purring but fresh and well balanced, I can imagine knocking back a couple happily on a summer's day, so they've done the job.
Sub 4.5% beers by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-27 04:19:35 Does the Pilsner Urquell 10° desitka still exist in Czechia? I seem to remember it came in two strengths many years ago but I have only seen the 12° version in recent times.
Sub 4.5% beers by Mosquit on 2023-05-27 20:50:09 Actually PU is always 11 nowadays. Something like 11.7°, so by Czech law, it is 11°. However, many restaurants still advertise it as 12° (i.e. rounded up).
In reality, it is brewed stronger, and then dilluted using HGB
I am not sure if they do some special version for Sweden etc. with 3,5% ABV, but even if they do, I would expect that they are not brewing special batches, they just "dillute it" more.
One important remark. Alcohol by volume content (e.g. 4,4%) might be quite inprecise number (at least by czech laws, therefore applying for all czech beers, even exported to EU). There is really huge tolerance in ABV value.
If you declare that your beer has 4% ABV, then it must be in reality between 3,5% and 4,5% ABV. If you declare ABV over 5%, then the tolerance is actually +/- 1,0% (so if you say that it is 5,5%, it could be anything between 4,5% and 6,5%).
Some people say that breweries are well aware of this, and sometimes they are "adjusting" the value on the sticker and in official papers, in order to marketize the product more. So for cheap beers (where people are often buying them to get drunk), they add some more extra ABV, to get some more customers. Might be also the opposite case with PU, who knows.
Sub 4.5% beers by Jason on 2023-05-31 01:05:06 It's certainly the case in Franconia. 2 notoable beers are definitely punching above their 'official' ABV, Moenchsambacher Lager and Heckel Vollbier. Both are officially 5.5% but are in reality nearer or at 6%. This has been proven by a brewer friend of mine who tested them once but having drunk enough of both I can confirm that to my experience they are definitely stronger than 5.5%. All legal.
My guess is that they want to give people the feel good buzz without them realizing the beer is 6% (which might be offputting). It's one reason why Moenchsambacher Lager is such a cult beer in my opinion (it's also very tasty as well).
Sub 4.5% beers by B N on 2023-06-01 07:44:37 Other than Brotzeitseidla , what other good sub-4.5% beers can be found in Bamberg Landkreis?
Löwenbräu Buttenheim by pivnizub on 2023-05-12 12:20:29 Finished.
Löwenbräu Buttenheim by Jason on 2023-05-13 12:20:39 Little low on details. Asked a friend of mine who lives in Buttenheim and whose surname is Mondschiedler. Says it's a long standing rumiur but nothing new that he's aware of.
Buttenheim by pivnizub on 2023-05-12 12:18:28 Finished.
Buttenheim by ToddA on 2023-05-12 16:47:40 Any further details? Very sad news if true.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-09 23:27:34 Less than 3 months until Annafest. Time to start planning a trip. Who will be going this year?
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-10 04:30:53 I am tempted, but really I am not so much interested in the fest as much as seeing some of the minor Keller that are only open then. I love the Kellerwald when it is quiet so I should probably see it when all of Forchheim is there, I guess. Does the town get booked up with Annafest tourists or is it a very local thing?
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-10 14:08:59 I usually stay in Bamberg, so I don't have firsthand Forchheim hotel availability knowledge, but I would guess that there is a fair bit of demand for rooms during Annafest.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by JackAnderton on 2023-05-26 12:21:17 Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by JackAnderton on 2023-05-26 12:21:59 Hi guys, I'm heading to Annafest this year with my partner. Staying in Bamberg but will pop down one afternoon mid week, hopefully with lighter crowds! Haven't been before so very excited.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-05-26 19:07:03 I am still planning out my July trip. I hope I can make it to Annafest for at least one day.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Jason on 2023-05-31 01:06:35 When will you be there Jimbo? In Bamberg I mean? I have to go back to Jersey for a few days on the opening weekend of Annafest but will be there at some point.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Unble Jimbo on 2023-06-17 11:14:14 Jason, I will be in Bamberg July 23-31. I will be in Prague before that, and I will probably ask your advice on places to visit there.
Who's Going to Annafest This Year? by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-06-17 11:15:01 Ha, just noticed I was posting as Unble instead of Uncle.
June by Andrew H on 2023-05-03 00:42:01 I am thinking of another visit in early June. Is anyone else likely to be about?
June by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-05-03 01:47:05 My beer buddy and I will be in Bamberg 16-23 June. Maybe a bit late?
June by Andrew H on 2023-05-03 02:48:11 Well I am just at those early stages(you know how That is)I may well overlap, Personally I like when there are others about to have a seidla with.
June by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-05-03 12:54:32 Happy to meet up if you are around Andrew. Weekdays best for us that week. Give us a shout when youve got something booked.
st georgen brau buttenheim by gavin brooksbank on 2023-04-22 16:15:07 ayup i know it's not got liads of love lately and i have to say their beer has gone way down in my estimation lately but, i think i read somewhere lately that the pub at st georgen brau is not open at the moment indefinitely, but the brewery and keller are (it could be that my german skills have let me down here) can anyone confirm? i may be passing through in a few weeks so just checking
st georgen brau buttenheim -- keller by B N on 2023-04-23 06:30:29 from https://www.georgenbraeu.de/keller/
Öffnungszeiten
Bei schönem Wetter von Ende April bis
Ende September, täglich ab 14 Uhr.
Samstag, Sonn- und Feiertags ab 11 Uhr.
st georgen brau buttenheim by Rob Sterowski on 2023-04-23 07:27:15 Is it one of those places where the pub is closed when the Keller is open and vice versa?
st georgen brau buttenheim by Carl on 2023-04-24 06:41:47 After looking at St Georgen's Facebook page, I saw an ad from Oct 2022 for a "Brauer/Mältzer". Does that mean St Georgen does (some of) their own malting?
Any other places around that also do their own? (Other than Schlenkerla and Spezial.)
st georgen brau buttenheim by Rob Sterowski on 2023-04-24 09:46:56 No, it is just the name of the job.
You may already know that Germany has a very comprehensive vocational training system, with many young (and not so young) people going through a three-year apprenticeship which includes on-the-job training and college on day release.
Brauer und Mälzer is the name of this particular training programme because it qualifies you to work in either field.
st georgen brau buttenheim by Barry on 2023-04-25 03:54:25 Among the contenders for the worst beer that I have ever tasted, anywhere, not just in Franken.
Visited the Keller a few years ago with Andrew Harvey - he tipped his beer on the ground, I stuggled thro some of my mind. Mind you, the location is lovely and the view is great! The consolation is that you can walk across the road to the the Lowenbrau keller!
st georgen brau buttenheim by Jason on 2023-04-26 06:23:34 The pub has been closed for some time. The keller is open as normal per the opening times. At least the view is nice...
st georgen brau buttenheim by Jason on 2023-04-26 06:24:38 Loewenbraue isn't much better beer wise, but it is better. Such a shame these two have both deteriorated so badly the past 10 years or so.
st georgen brau buttenheim by AndyH on 2023-04-26 07:57:48 Back in 2007 Löwenbräu was lovely beer. Not sure I've tried it since.
st georgen brau buttenheim by Barry on 2023-04-26 14:10:28 It's a long time since I had Loewenbrau but I always liked it - there was a big discussion some years ago about whether the beer in the Keller was different from that in Stub'n, which I don't think was ever really resolved. No matter, it always seemed to taste better in the Keller, perhaps because of the lovely location. But we enjoyed some really good nights in the pub when we stayed in Buttenheim - really friendly customers, and owners and staff.
st georgen brau buttenheim by AndyH on 2023-04-27 04:20:07 The taste of beer can be very subjective, as we know. Place, mood, company, time of day, weather, food, just been walking... all affect how a beer tastes
Löwenbräu Buttenheim by Unble Jimbo on 2023-04-29 12:59:44 I recall liking the Löwenbräu Festbier at Annafest years ago.
st georgen brau buttenheim by Jason on 2023-05-03 02:42:25 It's not subjective, I'm not talking about whether I like it or not, I'm talking about the quality.
Both breweries used to brew excellent beer. Loewenbraeu used to be a favorite up until maybe 2012 or something. I play football in the next village. Believe me, I have done my best to like it but it's nothing on what it used to be.
st georgen brau buttenheim by AndyH on 2023-05-03 07:13:36 I was generalising. I know these particular beers are not what they were. :)
st georgen brau buttenheim by Rob Sterowski on 2023-05-03 22:10:22 Just discovered that Zum Kachelofen now sells Fässla beer. They used to have St Georgen, I'm sure.
st georgen brau buttenheim by Sascha on 2023-04-28 04:19:05 In the pub they serve Ungespundetes Lagerbier and in the Keller they serve Vollbier(=Kellerbier)
Keller & Brauerei recommendations by norton on 2023-04-18 09:37:50 I'll be touring through Franken the next days and looking for a few recommendations - especially scenic Kellers but also for a few brewery recommendations.
Considering daytrips in these directions (likely would only do two, max three visits per day).
Buttner, Scheubel, Zehendner
Griess Keller, Knoblach, Will
Roppelt, Witzgall, Lieberth, Zum Lowenbrau
Eichhorn Dorfleins, Sonne Bischberg, Sonne Mursbach, Endres
Heckel, Meister, Pretzfelder Keller, Gradl,
Keller & Brauerei recommendations by Jason on 2023-04-18 16:28:02 Not sure what you're asking - looks like you have if pretty sussed to me, great choice ;)
Be aware Meister isn't open for draft beer.
Keller & Brauerei recommendations by norton on 2023-04-20 02:01:56 Ich dachte an ein paar schoene, kleine Bierkeller die eventuell nicht in Brauereibesitz sind und ich daher uebersehe.
Danke fuer den Meister Hinweis!
Hetzelsdorf brew pub? by Danny84 on 2023-04-21 07:57:13 You write that Meister brew pub is closed. Do you also know if Hetzelsdorf brew pub is open again? It was closed since Corona, but google maps now knows that it should be open (again)?
Hetzelsdorf brew pub? by Jason on 2023-04-26 06:26:25 I don't, no. But I think they shut until 'all corona rules had been lifted' so yes, it should be open again. Whether google is accurate or not only time will tell.
Keller & Brauerei recommendations by JohnRatcliffe on 2023-04-21 02:02:49 As Jason says, pretty much all great choices. Not sure how you would get from Pretzfeld to Gradl though unless you are driving.
Franconia trip May by Rich K on 2023-03-08 14:25:20 Planning a short four-day trip to Bamberg 17-20 May. Tentative agenda includes:
Eichhorn Doerfleins
Wagner + Hummel Merkendorf
Knoblach Schammelsdorf
Witzgall Schlammersdorf
I may also visit Neder Forechheim and Dorfkeller Lieberth time permitting along with the usual haunts in Bamberg. Prost!
Franconia trip May by Mads K (dedollewaitor) on 2023-03-28 03:40:11 Great choices!
Cheers.
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by Jason on 2023-03-06 10:14:35 I have just heard that Gerhard passed away today. I know he was known to many of you personally and many more by name and reputation. It goes without saying that his knoweldge and patience, especially with non-Germans speakers, often went way beyond expectations. As co-owner of Cafe Abseits he introduced many people to the joy of countryside Franconian brewing and opened his own mind to craft beer very early on.
His generosity and efforts driving people around, answering technical questions and organizing tastings will I'm sure be remembered by all who benefitted from them.
I shall raise a glass this evening.
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by Mark Andersen on 2023-03-06 13:59:24 Yes many fond memories of Gerhard and Cafe Abseits. He was very hospitible to us beer lovers who often visited Bamberg. Went out of his way on many occasions for us. It was nice to have a beer with him one last time this past Summer at Metzgerbrau.
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-03-07 21:55:39 Gerhard was a beer lover and a friend to all who came to Bamberg to experience Franconian beer. I also have many fond memories of beer excursion with Gerhard and late night visits to Cafe Abseits for a nightcap with him. I will miss him. Visits to Bamberg won't be the same without him.
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by AndyH on 2023-03-08 06:33:35 Sad news, he was a great guy who had endless beer knowledge. I will always remamber a beer tasting he organised for one of my groups where he and I had a conversation about the beers on one level whilst my group had a conversation about them on an entirely different level. It was lovely to see him again last summer at Metzgerbrau. :(
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by Rich K on 2023-03-08 14:17:46 Sad to hear of Gerhard's passing. He was a great advocate of Franconian and quality beer in general and will truly be missed. I always enjoyed his comments and insight on this forum as well as on FB. He was generous enough of his time to spend an hour with me during one of my initial visits to Cafe Abseits 10+ years ago where he provided some great tips for local countryside breweries as well as Zoigl houses in Windisheschenbach. RIP Gerhard.
RIP Gerhard Schoolman by David Greenlee on 2023-03-27 02:03:29 Sad news indeed. A legend in the true sense of the word but too humble to consider himself in that way
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by Rob Sterowski on 2023-03-04 06:06:38 I don't suppose anyone can confirm that Da Roude in Windischeschenbach is still open?
It's on the Zoiglkalender but Google Maps has it marked as permanently closed.
The dates I have available for my next trip are showing only Roude and Lingl open, is it worth it?
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by barry on 2023-03-04 14:24:42 Is that May 5 - 8?
I haven't heard that Roud'n is closed - the Google map info may refer to a specific time. i/e/ this weekend!
Roud'n is very variable in quality; last time that I was there with Jason, it was nearly undrinkable and Jason abandoned his Seidla. But it's a very characteful place.
Lingl is nice; lovely outside area, good Zoigl and very friendly host.
Depends where you're coming from; there are a few other breweries locally that you could take in.
I'll try to find out the situation re Roud'n.
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by Jason on 2023-03-06 02:09:53 A quick look at their facebook page shows they've posted about the last dates in Febraury so unless it's very new info it seems safe. Likely they haven't updated google maps with their opening hours after the pandemic.
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by barry on 2023-03-17 12:30:15 Sorry that I haven't been back to you,, Rob, but my friend has been off-line for a couple of weeks; hopefully, I'll have something definite before your trip. AFAIK, Roud'n is still in business, Anton retired to concentrate on his artistic glass business but I understand that his son and daughter are keeping things going.
If it was me, I'd go because I've a lot of friends there and Eschawo holds a special place in my heart but it's a fair distance from the brewing heaven that is Franken!
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by Mads K (dedollewaitor) on 2023-03-28 03:39:18 I will be there this coming friday.
My 4th visit to Roudn. Visits have been all from outstanding to underwhelming to horrible (beer wise) Excited about this time around and will let you guys know.
Cheers.
[CW: Zoigl] Da Roude by barry on 2023-03-28 04:23:51 Lucky chap! Enjoy yourself, look forward to hearing of experience.
Strawanza by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-02-25 10:44:21 I have seen posts from Strawanza on Facebook that indicate either that they are going out of business and closing or that a new owner will take over (my German is not good enough to know for sure). Does anyone here know what is happening there?
Strawanza by Rob Sterowski on 2023-02-25 11:44:28 Just seems to be a change of management/ownership, going by what they put on Instagram.
New Ulrich Martin bottle shop by Rob Sterowski on 2023-02-02 10:03:13 Brauerei Ulrich Martin now runs the former Getränkemarkt Grimm in Deutschhöfer Str 60, Schweinfurt.
Ambräusianum is still shite by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-06 10:43:44 I have never been back to Ambräusianum since 2008, because the beer was so bad then.
This time I thought to myself: come on, it’s been FOURTEEN YEARS, time to give them another chance.
Nope. The beer was foul. The only Seidla in Bamberg that I didn’t finish.
Ambräusianum is still shite by Pivnizub on 2023-01-30 07:01:27 This is the naked truth... Unfortunately... But Mahr's was not much better last November...
Ambräusianum is still shite by Rob Sterowski on 2023-03-16 09:26:51 Mahr’s U may be not what it was, but at least it was drinkable, and they had a very good Bock when I was there.
Ambräusianum is still shite by AndyH on 2023-03-17 04:45:27 Mahr's U is usually drinkable. I've had a few bottles late last year that weren't drinkable. Others have been excellent. It's the variability that's so hard to deal with. At least you know to avoid Ambräusianum.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-04 03:24:24 And I don't care who disagrees. Both Lager and Gold-Pils have such a fantastic hop flavour that I might skip my planned visit to Klosterbräu and just drink Gold-Pils until my train is due.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by jason on 2023-01-04 04:26:14 The Pils was pretty poor the other day. Diacytel mess. Only went in because Spezi was shut.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by UncleJimbo on 2023-01-05 00:05:06 Some people are not very sensitive to diacetyl.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by jason on 2023-01-05 03:11:36 True, but in a beer that should be hoppy and yet delicate, it detracts from the whole drinking experience. I don't mind diacetyl in some beers (Hoelzlein, Rittmayer Aisch, Czech lagers), generally when it's meant to be there (like it or not) rather than when it is as a result of rushed/poor brewing.
Maybe I got unlucky.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-06 09:45:46 On past visits I have thought Fässla is not consistent, but when it is good it is really good.
I like diacetyl. What makes you think it’s not meant to be there?
Fun to have such different opinions on what was presumably the same batch of beer.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Jason Watts on 2023-01-07 07:13:06 You should never have diacetyl in a German style pils, it stands out like a sore thumb and dumbs down any hopping. In maltier beers in can compliement the malt sweetness. Keesmann had problems a few years ago with their Pils, after I mentioned to Thomas at the Torschuster he sent his barrels back to the brewery. You're right that Faessla is inconsistent - when it tastes good the pils has no diacetyl in it.
Unfortunately on the day I was there it's no about opinions, the pils was crap and my drinking buddy agreed. So we just had 1 beer and left which is very unusual.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by UncleJimbo on 2023-01-07 11:30:08 I agree that there should never be any diacetyl in a Pils.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Pivnizub on 2023-01-30 12:41:02 So I was lucky at Keesmann with their Heller Bock last November, a clean and well balanced drop...
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Rob Sterowski on 2023-02-19 04:31:43 Who says it’s meant to be a “German style Pils”, which is an American concept ?
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-02-19 15:54:50 If it is called "Pils", ti is German style. "Plisner" is Czech style. In America, anything goes.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Rob Sterowski on 2023-02-21 02:04:31 This is a myth. Pils, Pilsner and Pilsener all mean exactly the same thing.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by AndyH on 2023-02-23 08:08:20 True. Style guidelines are meaningless except for home brew competitions.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Uncle Jimbo on 2023-02-25 10:45:13 German Pilsners are definitely different than Czech, at least in general.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by Rob Sterowski on 2023-02-25 11:45:14 They are also different from each other.
Fäßla beer is great at the moment by AndyH on 2023-04-26 08:06:01 Maybe I'm sensitive to it?
I've always gone for the Lager in Fässla and Sternla in Keesmann as I've always had issues with odd hints of buttery sweetness in both of the Pils offerings.
Tambosi update by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-02 12:33:10 Tambosi now has a website: http://tambosi-bamberg.de/
It was quite busy with families having lunch, a far cry from the four old guys drinking in silence of previous reports. The food looked quite good too.
When I asked where the Schmitt beer was brewed, the waiter told me that Schmitt-Bräu in Schesslitz was still going, and according to him they only supply the Tambosi and their own pub. I didn't want to call him a liar to his face so I said "Oh, that's nice."
Wherever it comes from, I quite liked the Helles. There is also a Märzen from Schmitt (bottled only) which is quite nice. Anywhere outside Bamberg these would be outstanding beers.
Tambosi was recommended to me later by a random I encountered on my table in Schlenkerla. How smug I felt as I was able to tell her I had already been there that day.
Tambosi update by Jason on 2023-01-04 09:33:27 It's brewed in Reckendorf.
This is exactly the reason I am against lohngebrautes bier. People here haven't a clue sometimes. Brewery in Scheßlitz hasn't brewed for what, 2 decades?
Tambosi update by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-06 09:43:14 Yes, stopped brewing in 2000 according to their own website.
From the waiter’s perspective, I suppose technically the company “Brauerei Schmitt” still exists and still supplies them with beer.
Two separate randoms mentioned Tambosi to me, one in Schlenkerla and one in Mahr’s, so I went back again for lunch. It was really good, buttery soft Schäuferla beautifully presented. For a picture:. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm_sKOkq663/
Yes, I am one of those annoying people who photograph their lunch.
Happy new year! by Rob Sterowski on 2023-01-02 03:46:08 Happy New Year!
Am I the first visitor to Bamberg from the board this year? (Jason doesn’t count any more)
Spezial is closed today, Fässla is open and Lager is tasting very good at the moment, very nice hop flavour and finish.
Schlenkerla says it’s open but I haven’t been up to check yet.
Who’s planning to get to Franconia this year?
Happy new year! by Carl on 2023-01-02 05:47:08 I expect to do some sampling in Franconia this year !
Happy new year! by Mark Andersen on 2023-01-02 12:56:04 No plans as of yet but it looks like for me that it won't be until Bock season in the fall.
Festive Greetings! by Barry on 2022-12-24 02:14:27 We don't have the same level of communications on the site as previously but, to all those who still use it, please have a happy and peaceful festive season. May you continue to enjoy all the joys offered by Franken in 2023 and the years to come.
Take care.
Festive Greetings! by David Greenlee on 2022-12-24 03:30:39 A happy Christmas and a healthy 2023 to all. I'll raise a glass of Schlenkerla Eiche tomorrow and hopefully we'll meet again soon for a fresh brew or two in Franken. Cheers guys
Festive Greetings! by FredW on 2022-12-24 08:22:15 Same to you all and stay warm!
Festive Greetings! by Mark Andersen on 2022-12-24 15:15:05 Happy Holidays to you Barry and everyone else on the forum. I hope to enjoy a beer with as many of you as possible next year.
Mark
Brauerei Leicht, Pferdsfeld by Jason on 2022-11-25 11:08:24 Will sadly close its doors at the end of the year (pub and brewery). It's been coming, the guy is in his late sixties I would guess.
One of my favorite breweries for a simple yet süffig fränkisches Vollbier. I will try and go this week. A humble place, but one of the most significant losses of recent years.
Brauerei Leicht, Pferdsfeld by JohnRatcliffe on 2022-11-27 08:12:22 Thats a real shame, lovely little place.
Brauerei Leicht, Pferdsfeld by Mark Andersen on 2022-11-27 16:05:47 Yeah that's a tough loss but also not surprising. I remember they closed termporarily a few years ago because he had health issues. Juergen introduced me to the place and I was fortunate to be able to visit a few times and yes it was also one of my favorites.
Brauerei Leicht, Pferdsfeld by pivnizub on 2022-11-27 22:48:34 Sad news...
Brauerei Leicht, Pferdsfeld by barry on 2022-11-30 07:04:43 Yes, also introduced by Juergen (thanks, as usual!) but many visits over the years, particcularly while staying in Ebensfeld. A lovely bike ride or ramble. Beautiful beer, nice grub, friendly people and a really lovely place.
Sad news. Probably good that my drinking days in Franken have passed, as there'd be so many disappointments now but sorry for those who still visit.
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-10-25 07:43:33 I am planning to be in Franken for about a week and a half starting 3rd November. Anyone around can contact me through the forum or maybe Fred could give them my e-mail address. I hope to be at Spezial's bockbieranstich on the 3rd and have other tappings in my sights too.
Bamberg in November... by Jason on 2022-11-02 04:32:12 I'll be at Spezi tomorrow as well...
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-03 08:09:38 I am at Spezial and am the really fat old guy with the grey beard.
Bamberg in November... by Jason on 2022-11-03 15:36:59 Were you wearing a Quercus brewery fleece by chance? There was a queue for the toilets at Spezi so I popped over to fässla and I noticed a chap leaving with said fleece. It was only after I thought on it, remembering the Devon brewery.
though I may have imagined it all due to too much bock ;)
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-04 03:03:51 Yes that was me. I enjoyed the rauchbock. The Landwinkl bock was poor. Today I am off to Drosendorf and Merkendorf.
Bamberg in November... by Jason on 2022-11-05 01:37:09 Of course the Landwinkl bock was poor. It's a pathetic excuse for a brewery and the owner is an idiot - he tried to threaten Spezial to move their Bockbieranstich because it clashed with 'his'. Complete tool.
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-05 03:40:14 Ah well. I had some very nice bocks yesterday. Goeller, Hoehn, Wagner (2) and Hummel (2) all very good.
Bamberg in November... by Jason on 2022-11-06 01:52:02 Ok well I'm about today if you want to meet. Will be in schlenk around lunchtime then Spezi and later Eichhorn. Maybe Fred can copy this into an email to you.
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-06 02:28:33 Hi Jason. I don't think I will be able to meet with you today as I have other plans. Thanks for the invite though. I am staying in Forchheim until Tuesday morning then have 6 nights in Bamberg so hopefully we can meet up at some point.
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-08 10:42:19 Working my way through some bocks on draught and bottle at Pelikan. Griess, Ott, Schroll...
Bamberg in November... by TomM on 2022-11-12 09:12:11 Jason, I will be around Bamberg tomorrow if you are out and about. Otherwise, maybe meet you some other time.
Bamberg in December... by FredW on 2022-10-20 15:20:05 Just in case anybody else is around, I'll be in Bamberg from Dec 7-12, with a group of friends.
Püls-Bräu taken over by Maisel by Rob Sterowski on 2022-10-07 11:14:52 Püls-Bräu (Weismain) has been taken over by Maisel (Bayreuth). The brewery will supposedly continue with its current family management.
https://www.infranken.de/lk/lichtenfels/weismain-traditionsbrauerei-puels-braeu-von-maisel-aufgekauft-unschlagbares-argument-art-5558660
Sandkerwa 2022 report by mike004 on 2022-09-01 05:40:58 Visited Sandkerwa last week, for four days from Do-So.
- Crowds were more manageable, compared to previous years. Probably due to
the new admittance charge after 6PM (6 Euros for 5 days/2.50 for a day). Also hot weather and the threat of thunderstorms on the first two days.
- Security personnel were at entrance points to the fest, checking for valid access badges.
- Beers were mostly 4.50 Euros for a seidla, plus 5 Euros pfand (deposit).
- Most of the stalls were in the same locations as previous years.
- Loewenbrau of Buttenheim was no longer there, on the towpath at Marcusbrucke. Maybe because it fell outside the new "security cordon"?
- The Geyersworth area is under redevelopment. Used to be a good location for Kraus and Sonne.
- New ones for me: Landwinkl had a couple of places, also Brandholz/Melkendorf.
20 Years! by Mark Andersen on 2022-08-31 13:06:45 So as I'm sitting here at Boston Logan Airport for my flight to Frankfurt (onto Bamber of course), I was perusing the forum and looked to see how old this forum was. Well this year is the 20th anniversary. Fairly impressive considering Internet forums generally don't last this long. I've been here for 15 years and that is definitely the longest I've been active on any Internet forum. Kudos to Fred and all the contributors over the years. I appreciate all that I've learned her about Franconia and the friends that I've made. Cheers!
20 Years! by Mark Andersen on 2022-08-31 13:08:14 *here
One of hundreds of grammatical errors I've made here since 2007!
20 Years! by Uncle Jimbo on 2022-08-31 22:27:13 Have fun in Bamberg!
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by AndyH on 2022-09-01 01:58:05 Looks like I posted for the first time on 4 August 2006 and visited Bamberg for the first time on 11 August 2006.
Have a great trip Mark. It doesn't seem long since we were all enjoying the sun, beer and food in Uetzing.
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by barry on 2022-09-01 06:37:55 I'm not sure when I first posted on the Forum. My first photos in Bamberg come from 2008, so I assume that was my first visit and it was probably about that time when I started posting. Sadly, I don't seem to have any photos of that momentous meeting in Spezial, which was the first 'organised' get-together of Forum members. Certainly none of the afters at Canalissimo - difficult to hold a Seidla, never mind a camera!
Viel Spass to those in Bamberg now!
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by JohnRatcliffe on 2022-09-02 04:26:08 Big thanks to Fred for the forum. Immeasurably improved my Franconian experiences since I stumbled across it around 15 years ago. Heres to the next 20 years!
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by B N on 2022-09-02 07:07:12 cheers to that -- thanks Fred and forum'ers
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by TomM on 2022-09-04 04:28:31 Mark,it seems from your post that you are in Bamberg when I am. If you want to get together let me know. We can talk about beer and Cape Cod. I am in town until Tuesday night.
20 Years! - Inspired to look back by Mark Andersen on 2022-09-04 23:39:20 We're also here until Tuesday. I think we're heading to Roppelts Keller and maybe Witzgall today. Feel free to join us and/or we could meet up in Bamberg this evening as well. Easiest way to reach me is via text (us number 508-509-2685)
20 Years! by FredW on 2022-09-07 07:38:05 It didn't even hit me that it had been 20 years!
Most of the similar fora migrated to Facebook long ago. I figure if you stumble on it these days, you really must be interested in Franconian Beer.
Thanks to all of you for making it an interesting place.
20 Years! by barry on 2022-09-09 04:45:53 Thank you, Fred. Participating in your Forum brought some great moments, not the least being the first 'unoffical' gathering in Bamberg and our later meet-up in Prague. Sorry not to take part in weekly phone-ins, but watching you all drink great beer is a bit difficult to take!
Take care!
20 Years! by FredW on 2022-09-15 21:46:33 People ask about you from time to time, so you are in our thoughts...