Welcome to Bambergtry the beer
JULY 24, 2024
Klosterbräu Bamberg
Whether it has been in operation since 1533 – when it was officially established as the “Fürstbischöfliches Braunbierhaus (the “Bishop-Prince’s Dark-Beer House”) – or since 1333, the date on which the brewery claims an original documentary mention, Klosterbräu is the oldest brewery in Bamberg. Located in the Mühlenviertel (“mill district”) of the old town, the former cloister brew house has occupied its prime spot near the Pegnitz River since inception.
As with many German breweries founded in the Middle Ages, Klosterbräu was the property of the church (in this case the powerful Bishopric of Bamberg) until the late 1700’s, when it came under private secular ownership. For over 150 years it was in the hands of the Braun family, and in 2017 it was acquired by the much-larger local brewery Kaiserdom.
Fortunately, Klosterbräu maintains its historical character and independent line of beers, including the original-namesake Braunbier. Its other regular offerings are typically malt-forward bottom-fermented specialties of Bamberg and the region of Franconia: Kellerbier, Schwarzbier and Rauchbier. The historical appeal of drinking at Klosterbräu is enhanced with several separate drinking and dining areas – including a restaurant, pub, cellar, barn and courtyard – that have been restored and renovated to accentuate the centuries-old feel. But the more modern and sunny biergarten, with views of the Pegnitz River, is particularly popular in summer.
MALZFABRIK WEYERMANN
Founded in 1879 by a grain trader, Malzfabrik Weyermann is today the world’s most famous producer of specialty brewing malts. Its characterful production buildings are historical and architectural wonders of Bamberg, and were declared national industrial landmarks in 1973. Tours of the beautiful facility offer fascinating glimpses into every stage of the malting and malt distribution processes, from various degrees of roasting of grains to the tidy, well-organized packing and international-shipping assembly line. Barley-laden sacks bearing the red Weyermann logo are familiar sights at breweries in the U.S. and around the world.
MAHRSBRÄU
Located on the site of a 17th century brewery-inn, Bamberg fixture Mahrsbräu has been in the hands of the Michel family since 1895. Today the 5th generation oversees production of the brewery’s award-winning lagers and management of one of Germany’s best-known traditional restaurants and biergartens. Having been declared Best Brewery in the World in 2007 by Men’s Journal, Mahr’s remains a top destination for international craft beer fans as well as aficionados of artisanal Franconian-style lager.
BRAUEREI KEESMANN
A Bamberg butcher named Georg Keesmann founded his family brewery in 1867. While the historical brauhaus is located in the same suburban district — in fact, the very same block — as its friendly rival beer maker Mahrsbräu, Keesmann manages to distinguish itself by focusing daily production almost completely on an excellent flagship pilsner – making it the only Bamberg brewery to specialize in the style. The typically characterful 19th century inn that houses the brewery and restaurant is recognized as a Bamberg historical monument, and Keesmann’s placid courtyard biergarten atmosphere offers a more relaxed alternative to that of its noisier neighbor.
SCHLENKERLA / BRAUEREI HELLER
The more famous of the world’s two remaining traditional smoked beers is undoubtedly Schlenkerla (the other survivor is, of course, Bamberg’s own Spezial). While the actual brewery, Heller, is located up the hill from the tavern in Bamberg’s old town, the beer takes its name from the pub owned and operated by the current brewing family, the Trums. The taproom’s original medieval structure was first mentioned in 1405 as The Blue Lion pub; brewing took place on this site all the way up to 1936, when demand finally required more production space.
Brauerei Heller itself was acquired in the 19th-century by ancestors of current 6th-generation owner Matthias Trum, an enthusiastic, tireless historian of Bamberg pub, brewing and smoked beer culture. Schlenkerla is today a pilgrimage site for global beer enthusiasts, and its various rauchbiers are still served with old-world aplomb from traditional wooden barrels.
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