Franconia Beer Message Board

Monday was another lovely day, sadly, possibly the last of the good weather for a little time. Nick contacted us and suggested a visit to Roppelt. However, this was going to be difficult as things got delayed by the water being cut off to our apartment (later restored) and the need for supplies – we do need to eat as well as drink.

So, Stiebarlimbach was postponed and we opted for a first visit to Wunderburg – well, we have been here for 4 whole days and not a single drop of Mahrs. We arrived in Wunderburg just before the witching hour of 4 pm and the 'U' Anstich (does this still hold true?), so opted for a Herrenpils in Keesmann. We've never been in the 'garden' before – really, just the brewery yard – but it was most pleasant, with friendly service. I'm not really a Pils fan (a bit bland for me) and can't quite understand the furore over the Herrenpils but it is a good enough beer without, IMHO, being outstanding.

So, over the road to Mahrs. Regular Forummers will doubtless recall my affection for this brewery and especially for U but previous visits have invariably proved a little frustrating for one reason or another, so there was a little degree of foreboding as to what may occur. We made our way to the left-hand corner of the garden – the bit that's like an outdoor extension of the Schwemm, J. sat down and I made my way to the Ausschank. A few of the occupants of the corner shouted something that I didn't understand so I carried on. Later, I realised that waiter (waitress) service now extends to this corner. No matter, I was served with 2 seidlas of U, which we prepared to enjoy. First reaction before drinking was that it looked a little clearer than previously but maybe that was because we were outside and not in the fairly dim light of the stube. However, after drinking, I'm in doubt that the beloved U has suffered some change and that it lacks the previous 'yeasty' tang, which gave it that unique character. The lack of yeast may be contributing to its new clarity. Like the Schlenkerla Märzen, it seems to have been somewhat dumbed down and has suffered accordingly. Of course, I may be totally wrong – distance does lend enchantment – but, on trying another seidla, we became more convinced that changes have taken place. It was noticeable that few if any of the other 'regulars in the corner' were drinking U – they were drinking a beer that was very pale – perhaps the 'Sommer Leicht?'

I have commented before on the quality of the service – usually quite poor - and the general 'unfriendliness' of the staff. This time, the service was not noticeably more friendly, though it was quite prompt, but we still had to wait before we could settle our bill, as the waitress would not accept payment on delivery. Fortunately, this time, it did not mean that we missed our bus. However, for me, the magic that was Mahrs is on the wane and, sadly, we won't be rushing back.