Recommended Cellar Beers from Franken - as Suggested by Our Readers (Top 8)

In the heart of Franconia, Germany, lies a rich tradition of brewing Kellerbier – a naturally cloudy, unfiltered beer that embodies the region's commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. Here, we delve into some of the most renowned breweries producing Kellerbier and Landbier, as well as their unique offerings.

Notable Franconian Breweries Producing Kellerbier / Landbier:

Brauerei-Gasthof Bayer in Theinheim (Lower Franconia): This family-operated brewery is a local favourite, known for its well-regarded Landbier and amber lager, Knörzla. The establishment emphasises traditional practices with some modern twists, including growing their own hops. [2]
Greif’s Bierkeller in Forchheim (Upper Franconia): This brewery is renowned for serving classical Franconian beer styles like Helles and Landbeer directly from wooden casks, enhancing their flavour complexity and traditional character. [1]
Kaiserdom Brewery (Bamberg area): Although described as producing a Kellerbier or Zwickelbier, the beer here is noted as a bit thin and less flavourful compared to others, but still part of the Franconian Kellerbier tradition. [4]
Schlöbberla: While not explicitly named as a brewery, Schlöbberla is mentioned as a Franconian beer brewed "nach altfränkischer Brauart" (according to old Franconian brewing methods), with complex malt and hop aromas. [1]

Contact Details:

Brauerei-Gasthof Bayer Located in Theinheim, Lower Franconia Contact info is typically reachable by visiting the village or via local tourism websites.
Greif’s Bierkeller Located in Forchheim, Upper Franconia No explicit contact info is provided; Forchheim is well-known as a brewery town with multiple cellar pubs.
Kaiserdom Brewery Located near Bamberg, Franconia Contact info is not provided in the results but the brewery is well established and can be found via standard brewery directories.

For detailed booking, visiting hours, or contact, the best resource is Beerwanderers – a specialized English resource mapping Franconian breweries and offering guided beer hikes and tours, including contact info and interactive maps for over 300 Franconian breweries. [5]

Summary Table of Breweries Mentioned

| Brewery Name | Location | Notable Beer Style | Additional Notes | |----------------------|------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Brauerei-Gasthof Bayer | Theinheim (Lower Franconia) | Landbier, Knörzla Amber Lager | Family-run, local distribution | | Greif’s Bierkeller | Forchheim | Helles, Landbier | Served from wooden casks, traditional | | Kaiserdom Brewery | Bamberg area | Kellerbier / Zwickelbier | Fair but lighter Kellerbier |

If you want to contact these breweries directly, I recommend visiting their official websites or local Franconian tourism portals. "Beerwanderers" provides the most comprehensive current contact listings and visiting information.

In addition to these breweries, the Zirndorfer Brauhaus is a popular destination where regional cuisine and freshly tapped Kellerbier can be enjoyed in a traditional atmosphere. [3]

Remember, it is recommended to drink Zirndorfer Kellerbier at 8°C, and it has an original gravity of 11.5% and an alcohol content of 4.9%. [0] Weiherer Kellerbier, another popular Franconian Kellerbier, has an original gravity of 11.3%, an alcohol content of 4.9%, and a taste that is surprisingly fresh and relatively light, despite its malt-focused base. [1] Its appearance is slightly cloudy with a slight sheen, and it boasts earthy, grainy malt notes that combine with fresh, citrus-like hop aromas that gain in intensity over time. [1]

Several Franconian beers have been awarded at the World Beer Awards, although no specific winners are mentioned in this paragraph. [6] The Zirndorfer Kellerbier came in 8th place in a Top-8 ranking of popular Kellerbiers in Franconia based on community input. [7]

The Haßberge district in Franconia had a Kellerbier named "Beer of the Month". [8]

In conclusion, the most popular Kellerbiers in Franconia come from family-run breweries steeped in tradition such as Brauerei-Gasthof Bayer and Greif’s Bierkeller, with many more smaller breweries dotting the region. For a practical visit or ordering, consulting Beerwanderers is advised for updated contact details and brewery locations. [5]

Explore the home-and-garden charm of Franconia, Germany, where traditional Franconian beer styles, such as Helles and Landbier, are served at establishments like Greif's Bierkeller, directly from wooden casks.
For those with a passion for food-and-drink experiences, Brauerei-Gasthof Bayer in Theinheim offers well-regarded Landbier and amber lager, Knörzla, using traditional practices with modern twists, like growing their own hops.