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).
Lower Franconia is a lovely bucolic area dotted with small hamlets and a surprising number of regional breweries not to be missed by the intrepid beerwanderer. This details a road trip to Strecks Brauhaus in Ostheim, Rother-Bräu in Roth, Pax-Bräu in Oberelsbach and the Wittelsbacker Turm Bräu at its namesake tower.
StoXBräu Blonder Bock is a high gravity affair strong on malt and alcohol but a bit one dimensional on flavor.
Strecks Brauhaus Weizen is a refreshingly fruit example of the style with a dryer lingering finish than many.
Strecks Brauhaus 1718 is a reddish Festbier first brewed in commemoration of their 300th anniversary. It's richly malty with a spicy character. The lingering finish is semi-dry and semi-bitter.
Strecks Brauhaus Bio Zwickel is is an gorgeous unfiltered golden brew with a nose of mown grass and a dry hoppy palate. The lingering finish is quite try but avoids being overly bitter.
Strecks Brauhaus Ostheimer Dunkel is a good example of a old Franconian lager with a balanced palate featuring some roast and grain. The underlying hops dry out the lingering finish without imparting a lot of bitterness, making this a very sessionable dark beer. Enjoy the style while you can, it won't be around long.
