Franconian Beer Message Board

Back to business. Today I ventured out to two new (for me) breweries - Brauerei Martin in Hausen (between Haßfurt and Schweinfurt, 3km from Schonungen Train Station) and Brauerei Goller in Zeil am Main. 

Brauerei Martin is a resurrected brewery. Oddly I haven't seen it mentioned on here, even though it is easily reachable and deserves our support, such as it is. Founded in 1850 with its own maltings it existed for 100 years before both closed with just the pub remaining open. In July 2008 brewmaster Ulrich Martin, in the words of the description in the menu, 'realized his dream', and brewing recommenced. I could actually feel this place was run by people who love it - just something about it. The Spezial Bier was very nice: malty, slightly sweet and very drinkable. The pils was quite hoppy,pretty good, but not really my style outside off the Czech Republic. The dunkel Bock was also good. The pub was cosy, basic in a tasteful way and with a large collection of litre Krugs knocking about. It was fairly busy when I arrived at 16.20 and only got busier. It was good to see a healthy Stammtisch and couples - all drinking beer (in wine country) - another sign of a well run establishment imho. Speaking of signs, there is a simple but very nice pub sign with a star hanging beneath. And in the menu gives a description, which i quote below as i think Barry and others may find it enlightening (pardoning the pun): 

This six sided star, in the form of the Star of David, is the oldest representation of the brewer. It is also named the "Brauerzirkel" or "zoigl". 

I am not sure if I have heard this corruption before - Zirkel (compass or circle) to zoigl. Sounds very plausible. And this is in Unterfranken. I will let my learned friend (and others of course) comment. 

I can only thoroughly recommend a visit. Easily reachable by train then bike/foot, it has friendly opening hours and serves good food. I saw a bus stop, though you'll have to do your own research on that, but I'm guessing it's a good service 

It is perhaps odd that I've never visited Goller. Years ago I had quite a few of their beers in bottle (even before visiting Franconia) and they tasted good then, though the breweries' reputation isn't so great and I haven't had hem since. Still, even the less interesting Franconia breweries are still above average and Zeil is a lovely little town easily reachable from Bamberg. 

I didn't make it to Zeil.