Hexenbräu Pils is an unfiltered golden rustic example of the style. The nose is full of citrusy hops which carry on into the balanced hop forward palate. The lingering finish is semi-dry and semi-bitter. Hexenhäusle is a wonderful old Witch's house turned brewpub in the heart of the Steigerwald.
Hexenbräu Zauber is their magic beer. This rustic Kellerbier is unfiltered amber with a creamy off-white head. The grainy notes are yeasty. The largely malty palate is also yeasty with underlying hops. The lingering finish is semi-dry with just a hint of bitterness. Hexenhäusle is a wonderful old Witch's house turned brewpub in the heart of the Steigerwald.
Gessner Original Festbier has a gorgeous amber hue and ample off-white creamy head. The richly malty palate has a light roasty note and some nice spiciness. It's more in the Märzen style in my opinion. The lingering finish is bittersweet. Available on tap at SpielLust Erlebnisrestaurant in Sonneberg.
Gessner Alt Sumbacher Dunkel is a deep mahogany example of the style. The ample tan creamy head and roasty nose are enticing. There’s a bit of a Czech Tmave aspect to the ever so light butter in the otherwise richly malty roasty palate. The lingering finish is semi-dry and bittersweet. Nicely poured beers at SpielLust Erlebnisrestaurant in Sonneberg.
Griess St. Petrus Festbier is one of Franconia's best with a balanced palate featuring spicy hops and fruity malt. The lingering semi-dry, semi-bitter finish is moreish.
Kanone 12.5er is an unusual Festbier brewed for their 125th anniversary as it’s only 5% but manages not only to be richly malty but fairly full-bodied. It’s malt forward with a lovely spicy element in both the nose and palate.
Hummel Festbier Hell is a richly malty brew tinged with both honey and grassy hops. The lingering finish is semi-dry and bittersweet.
Wagner Bräu Oberhaider Mühlenbier is a rich spicy festbier of 5.5% with a nice lingering semi-dry finish. On tap at their annual Mühlenfest.
Penning Hetzelsdorfer Frühlingsbier is a richly malty treat with some toasted caramel mixed with ample hos before a lingering semi-dry, semi-bitter finish.
Friedel Kirchweih Festbier is a richly malty Kerwabier with a fruity palate tinged with spicy hops. The lingering finish is semi-dry and bitter for the style. Lovely.
