Franconian Beer Message Board

An evening in the Steigerwald
Posted by Barry on 2016-09-16 03:23:02
Juergen collected us from our fewo in Seigendorf, apologising for being late because of heavy traffic, which continued particularly trying to get through Burgebrach. Eventually, we arrived at the Ampferbach Keller, where we all unwound with a really excellent seidla of lager/kellerbier. The big surprise was the hoppiness, we thought it quite bitter, Juergen less so, but, certainly, with its light colour, a completely different beef from that found elsewhere in the Bamberg area.
By the time we left, the traffic had thinned out, which was just as well because we had one of those frustrating evenings, with ruhetags, urlaubs and just plain odd opening times. These lengthened our journey somewhat, although the places we visited were all worthwhile. The next stop was the furtherest away, Brauerei Bayer in Theinheim. a sign outside suggested urlaub but someone had not told the locals who occupied the brewery yard in considerable numbers, while an elderly gentleman dispensed beer from a side door. This seems a remarkably civilised arrangement, and it would have been sad to miss a really good lagerbier, again pale in colour and very hoppy in a herby way.
Then followed a series of disappointments with place after place closed. Particularly sad tthat Roppelt in Trossenfurt was shut.
Anyway, we headed back to towards Bamberg, calling in Kundmuller in Weiher. Not really my kind of place but the two J's were keen on the idea of a Rauchbier. They were both happy but imho it wasn't a patch on Spezial or Schlenkerla or even Kraus in Hirschaid.
Then, across the Main and, ignoring the dubious delights of Oberhaid, on to Hertlein in Staffelbach, which was shut. Juergen undaunted headed for Stettfeld, where we thought we were going to be frustrated but, no, we spotted a light in the yard. Now was a chance for Juergen tto exercise his charm, as the Kellnerin wanted to close. But mention of visitors from Ireland, and a promise to drink 'schnell' did the trick - and glad we were, as the beer was excellent.
So, ended the evening - always interesting, if sometimes frustrating. At least there are plenty of breweries in the Steigerwald left to visit.
Once more thanks to our host for a great evening, allowing us to visit some places that would be tricky to get to. Thanks Juergen! 
 
Followups:
   An evening in the Steigerwald by Jürgen Wening on  2016-09-19 01:40:59
     An evening in the Steigerwald by Gordon on  2016-09-19 14:10:18
       An evening in the Steigerwald by Jürgen Wening on  2016-09-19 23:45:32
         An evening in the Steigerwald by Mark Andersen on  2016-09-20 06:36:17
           An evening in the Steigerwald by Nick B. on  2016-09-20 11:13:21
             An evening in the Steigerwald by Jürgen Wening on  2016-09-21 00:50:27