Grasser Kathrein Bock is a marvelous Hellerbock from the Franconian brewing legend in Huppendorf. It's a great mix of rich malt and fine hops with a dry bittersweet finish. It's dangerously drinkable at 7.5%. This gravity dispense version at Der Pelikan Best of Bock 2023 was a notch drier in the lingering finish.
Ulrich Martin is a traditional brewery lovingly restored by the man himself. The Martinibock is fantastic bock full of malt and dried apricot notes. This one from gravity dispense at Der Pelikan Best of Bock 2023 was extra dry.
Griess Bockbier is one of Franconia's best with a balanced palate featuring floral hops and fruity malt. The lingering semi-dry, semi-bitter finish is moreish. This version from gravity dispense at Der Pelikan Best of Bock was even drier.
Schroll Bock is a dark rich beauty with a hint of licorice and a fine dryish bittersweet finish. This version from gravity dispense at Der Pelikan Best of Bock 2023 was extra dry.
Schroll Weizenbier has a fruity nose which is enticing with a balanced fruity palate. The finish is less sticky than many.
A Doppelbock with a gorgeous deep amber hue and off-white creamy head. Lovely rich malty nose with a hint of burnt caramel. Palate is similar, making it a more of a sipper but balanced enough that I had three with lunch!
The Main River is not only the longest contained in river in Germany so perhaps unsurprisingly important in the brewing world as a source of water and transportation. There are many in Franconia, where the it originates and a particularly scenic stretch is in Lower Franconia. Three towns to seek out for beer on this route are Marktheidenfeld (Martinsbräu), Wertheim (Spessart) and Lohr am Main (Keiler Brauhaus).
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a walled medieval wonder located on the Romantic Road in the Franconian part of Bavaria. It's also a great place to sample local beers and hike out to the legendary brewery gem in Spielbach.
Zum Posterer Zoigl is a sourish semi-dry example of the style with a lingering finish.
Zum Posterer was the post office up until 1890 and with its location next to The Hotel Schwan and church, the very center of life in town. They have brewing rights bestowed and brew in the communal brewery. They also are only open one weekend per month so aside from not being a member of the Echte Zoigl group, they are very much an authentic Zoiglstube.
