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 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.
Wolframstuben was bestowed brewing rights when Windischeschenbach was a center of home-brewing. The communal brewery was built later to handle the load of the breweries in town having burned down. The current family inherited these rights when they inherited the property. The Stube is very lively and the Zoigl quite tasty.
What color is a Maibock? Any color. When does it come out? Usually late April into early May. How long does it last? Not long. Head to the Bierquellenwanderweg to hike an amazing beer hiking trail and taste some of the finest dark lagers on the planet. Go very early in May and you'll find two lovely Maibocks too.
Schlenkerla's Erle is the renowned smoke beer brewery's stellar take on a Schwarzbier with a rich roasty palate featuring a light complex smoke imparted by smoking the malt over alder wood. Sessionable at 4.2%, it's a another winner from Bamberg's best brewery.
Jürgens Rotbier is a balanced richly malty Rotbier with a nice spicy character and aromatic hops in the nose. The lingering finish is semi-dry and semi-bitter.
Gessner Festbier is a richly malty brew more in the Märzen mold with a nice spicy character and lingering, bittersweet finish.
Bayer Bräu Raubritter is richly malty Märzen with a nice spicy character in the dry for the style palate. This brewery closed in 2011 but they have their beer contract-brewed at Arnsteinter.
Bayer Bräu Bayerator is richly malty brew with a heady 7.2% alcohol content and a bittersweet finish. This brewery closed in 2011 but they have their beer contract-brewed at Arnsteinter.
