Franconian Beer Message Board

Ok, start of short sequence of long boring accounts of our holidays - turn off now if not interested! 
Not an auspicious arrival in Deutschland, as hurricane/storm Nikola was raging.  Great landing by Ryanair pilot in Memmingen was followed by chaos on DB, with trees on lines and other calamities causing major delays.  In the event, we were only 1 hour late arriving in Bamberg, so not so bad.  However, the storm also heralded a spell of cold and windy weather, with occasional flurries of snow – perfect holiday weather!

Essential actions on first day: buying a Tchibo stick (still no WIFI in apartment), no problem thanks to helpful staff (as always) and 10T 9-uhr Mobi-card (up to €92.50 this year but still good value).  Then off to Schlenkerla, which was quiet, thank goodness (and, yes, the Maerzen is definitely less smoky than of yore) before sampling the delights of a Rauch and 'a U' at Spezial – the U was especially good.  Evening saw us make our first visit to neighbouring Goeller – I'm sure that the Helles and Dunkel tasted better than last year. Nothing revolutionary but somehow more body. Bad news is that they 'Urlaub' from Tuesday after Easter for a week.  Thursday was a quiet day to get over exertions, while Friday saw a trip to Schlenkerla to meet Frank W, who regaled us with a description of his new costume for the forthcoming 'Tag des Bieres' – can't wait.  Being Easter Friday, it was mobbed but managed to get seats in the Schwem by the Ausschank to avoid queuing – also to avoid paying €2 Pfand!

On Saturday, we made our first walk to Merkendorf – first, Hummel and one of J's favourites, Raucherla, while I had the Kellerbier.  Then to Wagner, which is really one of my favourites, very relaxed and great beer; a couple of kellerbiers, which, IMHO, is nicer then it's Hummel equivalent, more body and not so sweet.  J. had the Dunkel, which was equally tasty.

Sunday was reserved for our excursion with Juergen – a favourite day in our hols, which deserves its own report. During the day, Juergen had recommended that we should try Koettensdorf, which is a handy walk across the fields from Drosendorf.  Being Easter Monday, it was full of families but managed to get seats.  The kellerbier was excellent, pretty well as good as any of the better known beers and the place is worth a visit – but you have to be prepared for a short walk (2kms) from Schesslitz.  As the weather continued cold on Tuesday, we decided on a trip to Nuremberg.  Sadly, Alm (which occupies Hutt'n old site) doesn't open 'til 4 pm, so we decided to visit the new Hutt'n.  Much bigger than the old place but pleasant enough.  Tried the Hausbraeu Helles and Dunkles – both naturtrub and ok but nothing really specially.  Made sure that we left enough time to get to Schanzenbrau, which has now become a regular stop.  It was like time had stood still since last year – and the year before!  J. really likes the Schwarzbier and I am becoming slowly more enamoured of the Rot, so well worth a visit.

Time for a bit of walking  on Wednesday, nothing crazy, just the round trip Drosendorf – Memmelsdorf – Merkendorf – Drosendorf.  First stop, Hoehn for an lovely Goerchla, IMHO, a very under-rated beer, then the climb up to Merkendorf (much stiffer than from Drosendorf).  What do you know, the dreaded unannounced 'Ruhetag' at Wagner – drat it.  Held breath while walking round the corner but, no problem, Hummel open!

OK, enough for the moment, Hohenlohe coming next.