Franconian Beer Styles: A Fun & Flavorful Primer

Franconia is not only the most brewery dense region on earth but Franconian beer styles are similarly ample. They range the full spectrum of hues, strengths and flavors. Contrary to what you might have heard, it’s not all smoke beer like Schlenkerla and Spezial but a rich beer style assortment. They appeal not only to the eye but satisfy the most base component of beer: drinkability.

Martinsbräu Pils

Spezial Lager

2nd go on tap

There is some overlap with Bavarian beer styles since technically they are the same state. Just don’t tell that to a Franconian! Below is an alphabetical list of the Franconian beer styles I’ve encountered in my exploration of the region. It’s not meant to be filled with technical descriptions but a fun exercise poking some fun at ” beer styles” which can sometimes just be names. Franconian beer styles don’t follow neat guidelines like the rest of Germany so don’t be surprised if you sometimes find it confusing. The full blog can be found at ABeerC if you want to read it in one go. I’ve decided to break it into smaller chunks in case you are looking for something in particular.

Click on the links for full descriptions and photos of various styles of beer found in Franconia.