Franconian Beer Message Board

Last days in Bamberg

Posted by barry on 2013-09-26 01:32:19

If you search thro this site you will find a copy of an article by Frank Wetzl on meisterbrauer Robert Pawelczak and his little Robesbierre 'hausbrauerei'. On Sunday, we were delighted to be invited by Robert to witness the brewing of his latest batch of beer. On arrival, we were greeted by Ursl who took us out into the little backyard where Robert was hard at work - and I really mean hard at work! There are no pumps in operation here, which means that Robert must transfer 200 litres of hot steaming beer backwards and forwards from tun to tun and finally to his lager tank. He says that he's happy to do this as it keeps him fit - rather him than me.

He thought that he'd completely finished drinking his last batch but, fortunately for us, a final 15L cask was located and a few older bottles. Putting aside my dedication to Mahrs U, this was the best beer that I tasted in Bamberg and, arguably, during our whole trip. A very tasty pils, light in colour and much more hoppy than most other Franken beers. There was a little difference but perhaps the older bottles tasted a little softer, doubtless to the longer fermentation period.

All in all, it was a fantastic day, thanks to Robert and Ursl's hospitality. I learned more about Franken brewing in half a dozen hours than in all my other trips put together. Robert is a seriously good brewer, having experience in many Franken breweries, as well as teaching brewing many Franken brewers through his courses at Karlstadt - wouldn't mind enrolling myself.

The evening was rounded off by a visit to Mahrs (more about this later, perhaps) and a nightcap in Schlenkerla (last out!).

We'd never inside the brewery Zur Sonne in Bischberg although we had actually stood outside it with Don and Cherie one evening while it was closed. Only a 20 minute bus ride (over the city tariff border, so €2.20 not 1.70!) but a lovely surprise inside because in design and character this is as much a rural brewery as any in deepest Franken. The Helles vom Fass was excellent and we also sampled the bottled naturtrub kellerbier, which was, perhaps, a bit darker than most of its kind but really tasty.

So, come the last evening and, after Frank has accompanied us on all our choice of pubs, it only seemed fair (and little sacrifice) to go to his favourite, Spezial. We were joined also by Nick, which ensured some lively discussion as the recent posts will indicate. After a 'normal', I decided to try the Spezial U, which, amazingly, I had not tried before. Perhaps not surprisingly, this was a beer that I really liked. It's a bit lighter, perhaps more 'civilised' than the Mahrs variety, very light in colour and quite delicate in taste, with, perhaps, a little hint of yeast (see elsewhere). Sorry Frank, it may become my beer of choice in Spezial in future!

So ended our trip to Bamberg. Thanks Frank for your hospitality, convivial company and sharing of your great store of Franken beer knowledge. Thanks also Nick, Becky, Tabor, Gerhard, Robert, Ursl and the many more who made this an unforgettable visit. And why did the sun begin to shine just when we were leaving? Good luck Fred.

Last days in Bamberg by Mark Andersen on 2013-09-26 05:59:01

Last days in Bamberg by Nick B. on 2013-09-26 05:59:41

Last days in Bamberg by barry on 2013-09-26 07:20:20

Last days in Bamberg by barry on 2013-09-26 07:26:22

Spezial U by Uncle Jimbo on 2013-09-26 20:10:29

Spezial U by Fred Waltman on 2013-09-26 21:45:04

Spezial U by Neil McC on 2013-09-27 04:46:32

Spezial U by Nick B. on 2013-09-27 04:55:28

Spezial U by Nigel on 2013-09-27 05:08:13

Spezial U by barry on 2013-09-27 11:53:22

Spezial U by Uncle Jimbo on 2013-09-27 19:19:32

Mahr's U by Nick B. on 2013-09-28 01:49:18

U, Yeast, Sweaty Socks by Nick B. on 2013-09-28 01:59:24

Mahr's U by John Ratcliffe on 2013-09-28 02:57:11

I by Nick B. on 2013-09-28 03:02:41

Mahr's U by Nick B. on 2013-09-28 03:03:09

Mahr's U by barry on 2013-09-28 14:06:40

Mahr's U by barry on 2013-09-28 14:09:21

Mahr's U by Nick B. on 2013-09-29 03:33:28

Mahr's U by Nick B. on 2013-09-29 03:37:18

Spezial U by Jeff Romain on 2013-09-29 13:10:39

Mahr's U by barry on 2013-09-30 02:24:10

Spezial U, Prima Pils, Water, Complaining about Mahr's by Nick B. on 2013-09-30 02:15:51

Mahr's U by barry on 2013-09-30 02:26:00

Mahr's U by Nick B. on 2013-09-30 02:27:09

U, Yeast, Sweaty Socks by barry on 2013-09-30 02:28:48

Kraus Lager & Mahr's U at the Häschaadä Keller by Nick B. on 2013-09-30 02:30:17

Roppelt, Dorn Bräu, Schlenkerla Hell by Nick B. on 2013-09-30 02:35:59

Spezial U, Prima Pils, Water, Complaining about Mahr's by Jeff Romain on 2013-09-30 10:48:49

Minerals by Jeff Romain on 2013-09-30 11:21:32

Spezial U, Prima Pils, Water, Complaining about Mahr's by Uncle Jimbo on 2013-09-30 16:31:44

Spezial U, Prima Pils, Water, Complaining about Mahr's by Uncle Jimbo on 2013-09-30 16:43:10

Spezial U, Prima Pils, Water, Complaining about Mahr's by Nick B. on 2013-10-01 03:12:42

Minerals by Nick B. on 2013-10-01 03:13:48

Complaining about Roppelt by Nick B. on 2013-10-01 03:22:39

Complaining about Roppelt by barry on 2013-10-01 03:40:24

Complaining about Weyermann by Nick B. on 2013-10-01 05:45:14

Complaining about Weyermann by barry on 2013-10-01 05:57:55

Complaining about Weyermann by Nick B. on 2013-10-01 06:06:06