Specials and Franconian

This small family brewery in Dörfleins continues independently in Upper Franconia and should not be confused with the former Eichhorn of Forchheim. They brew following the 1516 Purity Law in a rustic tradition. Their open-yeast Kellerbier (ungespundet) is served unfiltered and naturally conditioned. The Schwarzer Adler is smooth, malty with notes of caramel, chocolate, and a subtle roasted bitterness. Rich but easy-drinking, showcasing classic Franconian dark beer character.

Founded in 1865 and still family-run in the village of Drosendorf (Memmelsdorf), Göller is a tiny village brewery that serves beer exclusively on-site at its own inn and beer garden. Brewing is done with open fermentation (7–8 days) followed by 5–6 weeks maturation in closed tanks, and beer is served directly from wooden barrels in the garden. Their brewhouse features equipment including a traditional coolship and historic kettles. The Lagerbier hell is the year-round hallmark—light, supple, hop-accented pale lager with fine bitterness and rich foam. Widely recognized as simply delightful and “süffig.”

Established in 1872 and still operated by the same family, Griess brews on-site using a traditional decoction mash in copper equipment, with no stabilization, filtration, or pasteurization. The beer is matured for six to eight weeks and served in their own brewery inn and scenic beer cellar. Production is very small, emphasizing craftsmanship over scale. Their iconic Kellerbier is naturally cloudy and unfiltered and offers a beautifully balanced interplay of floral hop complexity and robust malt character. It’s widely regarded as one of the most “süffig” (sessionable yet flavorful) Kellerbiere in Bavaria.

Founded by David Hertl, dedicated to brewing authentic Franconian beers with character and regional ingredients in the old Friedel brewery he took over  —with the original Kühlschiff (coolship). The beers are named after the different family member’s: Mutti’s Sonnenschein, Opa’s Liebling etc.

Founded in 1867 by Georg Keesmann (previously a butcher), this brewery remains family-owned in Bamberg’s Wunderburg district. With just a handful of employees, it focuses intensely on quality over quantity. Unlike most Franconian breweries, its flagship is a Pilsner—the Herren Pils—which makes up over 90% of production, a rarity in a region dominated by Kellerbier and Rauchbier traditions. The brewery is housed in a monument-listed 19th century building opposite Maria-Hilf Church. The Herren Pils is crisp, hop-forward with floral bitterness, balanced malt sweetness, and a dry finish. Widely awarded and popular and considered to be among the best Pils in the world.

A small family brewery deeply rooted in its local region, prioritizing ingredients from nearby farms and supporting regional food systems. They embody the quiet, solid tradition of Franconian brewing, with straightforward classic styles and minimal intervention. Their classic is  the Lager ungespundet which is crisp, bottom-fermented, fermented off slowly for clean presentation.

A modern-minded, small family brewery founded in 2008 in Pretzfeld, blending traditional Franconian brewing with innovative seasonal and organic specialties. Known for unfiltered beers brewed with regional ingredients, often using historic styles like Kellerbier and Landbier, as well as creative takes like organic Pils and dry-hopped specialties. The Dunkles Kellerbier has an earthy malt flavor with hints of toasted bread and mild hop bitterness. Naturally cloudy, smooth, and richly aromatic — a genuine Franconian Kellerbier experience.

Founded in 2017 by Felix vom Endt, orca brau combines traditional Franconian ingredients with bold craft experimentation. Felix’s Vancouver/Berlin brewing background fuels inventive recipes—no beer is off-limits, yet all prioritize drinkability. Though small-scale, their creativity sets them apart in a region rich with heritage breweries. Their Kellerbier Saphir organic has a modern twist on Franconian Kellerbier: bottom-fermented, unfiltered, and made with 100 % regional organic ingredients. This naturally hazy lager is cold-hopped entirely with local Saphir hops. The result is a malty yet characterful brew: lightly sweet, pleasantly spicy-fruity, and complemented with citrus hints (think grapefruit and soft berry aroma).

One of Germany’s oldest family breweries (dating back to 1422) that combines centuries-old tradition with modern sustainable brewing. Now producing ~30,000 hL annually, Rittmayer operates a cutting-edge plant powered by renewable energy. Their Craftmayer series is a rotating experimental line allowing creative approaches within the Reinheitsgebot. Their classic Kellerbier is a typical local example following a traditional recipe and is naturally cloudy and slightly darker (amber-brown) than a typical Helles.

Founded in 1784 and in continuous family ownership (sixth generation), Sauer is nestled near Bamberg in a historic setting complete with its original rock-hewn cellar (“Felsenkeller”) now used as a beer garden. The local sandy-water gives the beers exceptional clarity and drinkability. Production is modest at around 5,000 hL annually, and since 2010 its classic Braunbier has been brewed year-round. It is widely praised by Der Feinschmecker as a standout gastronomic destination in the region. The Braunbier is a copper-brown lager with balanced hops, caramel malt character, and smooth palate.

Possibly the most iconic traditional smoked beer brewery in the world, operating continuously since 1405. Schlenkerla still dries its own malt over open beechwood fire and taps specialties directly from wooden barrels. A living legend and UNESCO-recognized culinary tradition. The Märzen is deep amber with intense but balanced beechwood smoke aroma, rich malt backbone, and a dry, slightly bitter finish. Classic for lovers of Rauchbier style.

A small, often-underrated gem on the outskirts of Bamberg favored by locals and enthusiasts in online communities. Their Pils is repeatedly praised as “one of the best in Germany.” The brewery remains resolutely traditional, offering clean, balanced lagers with excellent drinkability. The Sonnenpils is lightweight, crisp, extremely balanced with fine bitterness and freshness.

Founded in 1536, Spezial is Bamberg’s second smoker malt brewery. It adheres strictly to hand-crafted Rauchbier production using regional organic barley malt dried over open beech fire in-house. The smoke aroma is more approachable than most other smoked beers, offering a gentler smoky signature. The Lager is a traditional Franconian pale lager, clear and crisp with moderate malt sweetness and gentle hop bitterness. Well-balanced and refreshing — a dependable everyday beer with regional heritage.

Founded in 1856, this brewery is nestled beneath the picturesque Staffelberg hill in Upper Franconia and serves pilgrims and hikers. With a modest production size, the brewery is known for its variety of traditional seasonal beers and local hospitality, drawing on its scenic location and historic roots. The Hopfen-Gold-Pils is a bright, golden Pilsner with pronounced hop aroma and crisp bitterness. Brewed with high-quality noble hops, it offers a clean, refreshing taste and a dry, lingering finish — a modern take on Franconian Pils tradition.

A family-run brewery since 1808 (in the Zehendner family since 1938), Zehendner remains deeply rooted in tradition while maintaining a strong local focus. It offers a full brewery experience—including its own gastropub and beer garden in the village of Mönchsambach. Its beers are sold primarily in the surrounding 20 km radius and in its own establishment. Zehendner emphasizes classic Franconian lager styles with a steady annual brewing rhythm. Their Lager is unfiltered and naturally conditioned, this traditional bottom-fermented lager reflects classic Franconian cellar character.

Operating since 1742, this tiny village brewery crafts only a small production in a lovingly preserved tradition. Situated in Schederndorf (pop. ~150), it is a beloved local destination famed for its rustic beer garden, home-cooked Franconian meals, and strong community events. The Schederndorfer Landbier is an unfiltered, amber-to-dark lager with bold malt flavor, smooth finish—an unwavering staple.

Celebrating 150 years in 2024, Weiherer is a moderately sized Franconian brewery with an eye for both tradition and high performance. They modernized their production with craft-grade bottling tech, expanded renewables and created award-winning beers. At the 2024 World Beer Cup, they earned Gold for Kräusen Hell, and Silvers for Rauch and Weizenbock, making them Europe’s most successful non-U.S. brewer at that event. The Kräusen hell is a light lager with bright carbonation and delicate malt profile.

Operating since 1797, family-run since 1919; the brewery produces a modest production size and includes a cozy pub with original interiors and ceramic mugs. It stands out for its broad yet traditional range, offered directly at the brewery and garden. The Lagerbier ungespundet is an unfiltered, open-vessel lager, praised for its purity and traditional charm.