Franconia Beer Message Board

~~So, it's now Sunday and a trip to Hohenlohe Juergen.  For those who don't know, Hohenlohe is in the part of Franken that is in Baden-W (thanks to strange post WW2 governmental machinations).  Whatever anyone else may think, the people in that region certainly believe they are Franken folk – and that's all that matters in the end. 

First stop was Brauerei Engel in Crailsheim, a biggish brewery with an extensive beer menu.  We tried both the naturtrub beers, the Keller-hell and the Keller-dunkel.  Both are unfiltered and excellent.  Then it was off to the country to locate beer from Smetzer's Adlerbrauerei, as the tap in Michelbach was closed years ago.  However, the brewery complex is worth a look – such a big industry in such a small village!  We tracked down bottles of Smetzer's in a really lovely old place, Gasthaus zum Lamm, Roßbürg.  Normally, bottles are not to my taste but Smetzer's beers are like Hirschbraue in Leipheim, simply the draught beer bottled, without any further ado – and very tasty.  Lamm is a real throwback and one wonders whether it will survive it's elderly and charming host, who responded to Juergen's request for a beer mat by offering him a whole shrink wrapped pack! 

Next, an 'old friend' – the delightful Goldochsenbrauerei in Spielbach.  I've described this place before, so won't waste words but it is really some experience, particularly the final 'interview'with the lady owner in her private sanctum when it's time to pay up!  As for the beer, it's remarkable for its mellow and complex tastes, simply super! 

Sadly, Herbsthauer and Franken-Braeu Riedbach were closed but one of Juergen's latest discoveries, Brauerei Spall in Ballenberg, was open – and what a contrast with Spielbach.  Whereas entering the latter takes one back 100 years, Spall seems to be a throwback to the 1970s.  You'd hardly call the bar cozy, more like a small ballroom or an English working men's (sorry, not PC) club from that period.  And the beer, also in total contrast; whereas Goldochsen is all smoothness, Spall has a kind of rough effervescence, sparkling on the tongue.  This is probably because it is finished early but, nevertheless, it is a drink that calls for a second – or a third.

Our final port of call was Brauerei Martin in Hausen.  Juergen previously remarked his surprise that no one seemed to know this place but I don't share that feeling because it is really quite out of the way.  Does it repay the trouble, well that's down to opinion, I suppose.  The brewery tap has been nicely restored and the beer is ok.  Certainly worth a visit if you're in the region but not quite the experience of Spielbach or Ballenberg – but, then, where is? 

As usual, we had a terrific day out and it is really interesting to see that there is a lot more to Franken than the usual Bavarian bits – as ever, thanks Juergen, enjoy your holiday!