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).
Düll Krautheimer Helles Lagerbier is a balanced malty example of the style with their signature white pepper in both the nose and palate but it blends well. One of the driest Helles beers I've had.
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.
Kesselring Urfränkisches Landbier Hell is a beer that conjures the land from which it has sprung. With a light grainy nose and palate and a lingering semi-dry finish, it makes you want to lie in a field and have another.
Adler-Bräu Stettfelder Hell is a typical malty Helles with a clean finish. It's well-made but not their best beer by a long shot.
Düll Krautheimer Helles Lagerbier is a balanced malty example of the style with their signature white pepper in both the nose and palate but it blends in better in this lighter simpler beer than some of their heavier entries.
Kesselring Urfränkisches Doppelbock is uncharacteristically deep golden but a wonderful mix of rich malt and underlying hops. It's got some honey in the nose and the palate is fruity and surprisingly dry for 7.5%.
Kesselring Urfränkisches Winterbier is a deep amber wonder with a rich malty palate and long semi-dry finish. A perfect beer for a cold night by the fireplace.
