Drei Kronen Scheßlitz Rauchbier Bock is a richly malty balanced Bock with light smoke in both the nose and palate. The amber hue amber hue is enticing but the creamy head thins quickly. It drinks a lot lighter than its 7% abv and the underlying hops dry it out enough in the lingering finish, making it a quaffable Bock. It’s not complex but it’s a nice entry level Rauchbier for those less than enamored with things smoky.
Schmitt-Bräu Helles on tap at the brewery is an unfiltered golden example of the style with creamy head and grainy nose. The malty palate is similarly grainy with restrained hops mingling in before the lingering semi-dry semi-bitter finish.
Schmitt-Bräu Urstoff is contract brewed by Günther-Bräu in Burgunstadt but is available on tap at the old brewery in Scheßlitz along with two house beers brewed on site. It's in the Altfränkisches Lager style with an amber hue and restrained hops mingling with the amply malty base. The lingering finish is semi-dry and semi-bitter.
Schmitt-Bräu Keller Pils on tap at the brewery is an unfiltered golden example of the style with creamy head and hoppy nose. The balanced palate is nice mix of grain and hops before the lingering semi-dry, semi-bitter finish.
Schmitt-Bräu Helles on tap at the brewery is an unfiltered golden example of the style with creamy head and grainy nose. The malty palate is similarly grainy with restrained hops mingling in before the lingering semi-dry semi-bitter finish.
The Kösseinhaus is a great rustic hut located on the Kösseine peak in the Fichtelbebirge Nature Park. It can only be reached on foot from numerous parking lots within the park or further afield on long distance hiking routes. The closest lots involve hiking 2-3 kilometers on fair but uphill paths. There has been a weatherproof hut in this place since 1805 but the current structure was built in 1898 and totally renovated for its 100th anniversary. The hut is surprisingly large and while rustic, quite cozy. Full warm meals are served every day, year round. Since the closure of the Ratsstuben in Wunsiedel, this is probably the best place to sample the local Hönicka Bräu beers on tap. It’s certainly the most scenic!
Franconia is blessed with 100s of great breweries, many of them in small villages outside the big towns. The pocket guide to the best Erlangen and its Countryside Breweries will help you pick out which breweries outside Erlangen you need to visit. Guided tours to breweries outside Bamberg and Forchheim available if you would like to head into the Bamberg/Forchheim countryside with a Franconian beer expert.
Burgunstadt is a charming hilltop village with some lovely half-timbered houses. Günther-Bräu is the lone brewery remaining of the once four. Easily reached by train but hard to find their beer on tap. Try Royal.
While small Franconian breweries are having a tough time, often closing, even regional player are feeling the pinch. Many continue to brew but their brewery taps are closing at an alarming rate. Finding tenants isn't easy. Finding customers is getting even harder.
Franconia is blessed with 100s of great breweries, many of them in small villages outside the big towns. The pocket guide to the best Forchheim and its Countryside Breweries will help you pick out which breweries outside Forchheim you need to visit. Guided tours to breweries outside Bamberg and Forchheim available if you would like to head into the Bamberg/Forchheim countryside with a Franconian beer expert.
