When it comes to beer aficionados, Lower Franconia doesn't get any respect. Before I get accused of playing the Rodney Dangerfield card, I fully understand its relative remoteness and lack of sheer numbers has a lot to do with that. Going to new breweries is exciting so don't lose the sense of adventure. Lower Franconia is a great place to do it just that.
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).
Keiler Pils is produced in bottled form at Kulmbacher but this draft version is done at Würzburger Hofbräu who bought the original brewery in 2001. As served at the Keiler Brauhaus, it's a clean, semi-dry, semi-bitter classic Pils.
Keiler Brauhaus Kellerbier is one of the few beers on tap at this modern pub which is actually brewed onsite. It is also their best beer with a nice unfiltered amber hue, creamy head and nose of grain and hops. The balanced palate has a nice mix of grain and hops with a lingering semi-dry, semi-bitter finish. Too bad they don't brew all of their beers onsite.
Keiler Export is produced in bottled form at Kulmbacher but this draft version is done at Würzburger Hofbräu who bought the original brewery in 2001. As served at the Keiler Brauhaus, it's a nice richly malty brew with a darker hue than is typical for the style.
Keiler Weißbier hell is produced in bottled form at Kulmbacher but this draft version is done at Würzburger Hofbräu who bought the original brewery in 2001. As served at the Keiler Brauhaus, it's a nice fruity Weißbier with a yeasty element in both the palate and finish.
