Franconian Beer Message Board

Berlin-Amberg-Bamberg
Posted by Treinjan on 2007-08-16 10:47:55
Back from a nice 12-day beery trip to Germany. Started with a visit to the Berliner Bierfestival (fri-sun). Together with a friend I tasted 64 beers from 32 breweries, including quite a few Franconian and Czech ones. Then on sunday I went (by myself) to Amberg in the Oberpfalz. Used it as a base for some trips and visited a few of the Bauereigasthöfe. Sunday evening was for Winkler and their Biergarten behind the pub/restaurant. Had a good meal but the main attraction was their very good Zwickel. Monday to Windischeschenbach. Lunch in the local Hotel with Zoigl. Then walked to nearby Neuhaus for a visit to Beim Käck'n, the tap on duty (Schönberger family). Even better than the first Zoigl. Herr Schönberger sat at my table and gave me some more info. A very friendly reception, both by the family and the locals. Back in W. I went by the Zoigl-tap that was supposed to be open, but found it closed. The brewer's star was out, though. Had another bite to eat at a local Gasthof that like the hotel always has Zoigl, again different, again good. Tuesday I paid a visit to nearby Sulzbach and had lunch at Sperber Brau, with Leichte Weisse and Zoigl (okay not the real stuff but quite good). Back in Amberg I visited the Biergarten at the Kummert brewery, where there is another very good Zwickel on offer. Also had their Kellerbier, which was also good, like the food. Adventurous menu for a Brauereigasthof. Later that evening paid a short visit to the brewpub in the centre of town, Schloderer, which dates from 1998. Their Helles was good, much like the Kellerbier at Kummert. Wednesday was Pilsner day. A detour by train via Martredwitz - Cheb to Plzen, visit of the Brewery museum, with a glass of the Museumsbier, then to the brewery and the tour, including the cellars and a glass from the wooden vats. Afterwards a meal in the big pub/restaurant with a glass of their dark beer. Back to Amberg via the direct route (Furth im Wald - Schwandorf). Thursday morning some last sightseeing in Amberg, with lunch at Bruckmüller. Then it's off to Bamberg and Brauerei Spezial, as usual.