Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach will close its doors for the last time around July 31st, 2026.
He looked at me with surprising recognition but when he questioned, “Richie, oder?” I knew I wasn’t mistaken. My wife and I had graced the hallowed grounds of Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach exactly three times, and not since 2021. So, my surprise was warranted. Most brewery owners wouldn’t have such good memories of infrequent guests, but Hans Hennemann is not most owners. In an emblematic Franconian way, he can appear gruff on first impression.His humorous side soon sprouts. It becomes readily apparent that he loves an audience. Sadly, that audience will have to find their laughs, and beer, somewhere else come the end of July. With only three openings a week, that looks like thirteen days.
Brauerei Henneman: a Franconian classic
What makes Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach so special?
Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach is a Franconian classic.Hans brews the beer, pours the beer and serves the beer. He more importantly entertains his guests. His wife, Siglinde, is equally adept at food preparation. On one visit, she went to the tables with him for the end of night payout of the remaining customers. Sitting for a chat with each, it was obvious the connection they had with their regulars. The locals and those who come regularly from further afield will miss this as much as the brewery itself. Make no mistake, the beer is pure Franconian gold. The meals are its equal but in the end, it’s the people who make a place irreplaceable.
Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach delights
Sambach appeal reaches far
An old friend from High School friend visited us in 2017 and we took him and his wife to Sambach of all places. For a couple of nights no less. We did a gorgeous walk in the area but the main reason for the trip was Brauerei Hennemann. My buddy and I got lucky in the wife department and they charmed Hans right away, and he in turn, did the same. When I recently told him of the closure, he said he always hoped to get back there one day. That day will now never come.
Sambach area trail
What will happen to Hans Hennemann?
So, even non-regulars who were touched by Hans Hennemann will miss the Sambach experience. Those closer to the source are already lamenting it. What about the Hennemann’s? They admit that they’ll miss their customers but have no regrets over their decision to retire. After four decades, they certainly deserve it. With no ready heir to take over, they will sell the equipment and settle into a life away from brewpub life. As I sat across the table from the enigmatic figure, I could tell he really enjoyed his own beer. I bet he will miss drinking it too.
last beers & meal at Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach
Brauerei Hennemann in Sambach contact information.
Two similar sad closures:
Search for Franconian breweries.
You could add proprietor to your list of beer related ventures. Make it happen.
Not enough money in a small brewery to make all the work worth it. Those places exist due to low overhead. Their family has owned it for over 150 years. The owners live there and I’m sure they will continue to do so as far as I know.
Well, the good news is that this family-owned brewery closed voluntarily so they could enjoy the fruits of their labor in retirement unlike a number in Oregon such as Rogue which got nailed and is bankruptcy. Perhaps someone will buy it and continue the legacy. Great post!
Thanks, Don. These are very small places with less overhead due to owning the property for 100s of years. They don’t tend to overextend themselves either. It’s a generally only possible to remain open if one of the kids wants to do it. Rogues grew a bit too much. I remember going to their Newport location in the early 90s.