The plan for today was simple: visit the Brauerei Ausschanks in Forchheim then go to Hirchaid for the Bock which was superb last year. Steve might even join us if his flight was on time. It was Lunchtime when we discovered that Steve had flown to München and not Nürnberg. At least we knew he was staying in Bamberg tonight, not Buttenheim. He would complete – The Five – later.
A Dreich Saturday afternoon, a good day to be in the Pub. Neder was first, their Fassbier/Kellerbier at 4.9% is not too demanding. The first of the day takes a while. Again, no hurry, there is the potential of another big night ahead. The few metres to Hebendanz was still about dodging the rain.
Entering the Ausschank we were surprised to find the place empty and laid out for a party. Every table was Reserved. As Mein Host muttered something in Deutsch my phone rang, Hassan (Cafe Salma) from Casablanca. The Chaps managed to establish that we could have Bier if we departed before 19.00, not a problem.
The Export Hell at 5.0% was a small step in the right direction. Other people were allowed to come in, a strange experience. We’re closed but you can come in, effectively. Why else would there have been staff present? I could have done with some staff at Hotel Schuberths am Schloss yesterday afternoon.
Dr. Stan mentioned – Eichhorn – Forchheim‘s other Brauhaus. For Hector the memory of this was a more upmarket Restaurant than a Ausschank, I had not been impressed. Jonathan had also mentioned that Greif, who closed their premises adjacent to Neder and Hebendanz a few years back but have an Ausschank at the Brewery itself – closed at 14.00 today. This was much further from the Bahnhof anyway and would require at taxi if we had ever intended going there. I was persuaded that – Eichhorn – was worth another try. This was also different premises.
Vollbier (4.9%) – Golden Promise came to mind. This was Dry, Pleasant and had a good body. I could have been tempted to have another, but by now we knew we were definitely meeting Steve in Hirschaid. I asked a Chap at the adjacent table to take a Group Photo. There were sighs of despair from my own table.
Meet Frank, son of the Annafest Organiser, a well known Chap in Forchheim. He was quick to tell us that tonight was the Greif Tapping, he was on his way. We thought we had better go and have a look.
As with last night in Buttenheim, the Ausschank had extra exterior accommodation in place for the night. The Bockbier (6.6%) could either be bought indoors or out. We had no chance of a seat, but had a spot as long as it didn’t rain. It didn’t, much.
Frank introduced us to Martin; we became Celebrity Bier-Travellers from Scotland. Steve was contacted – Take the train back to Forchheim and a taxi Greif. We stayed for as long as sense prevailed. Steve, who was in greater need of sleep, went for a train. Eventually it was time for a taxi. One would have thought this locus would have been a Honeypot. Only having walked back to the town centre did we secure a taxi back to Buttenheim, €22.00.
The Löwenbräu Ausschank was still – sort of open – Doris was serving Bottles only. Hansi, Mein Host, sat with us, one for the room was provided.
Jonathan has booked rooms for himself, Alan, Dr. Stan and Hector next year.
We’ll be back.
The Breweries and Brewery Taps visited today:
Hebendanz – Sattlertorstr. 14, 91301, Forchheim
Neder – Sattlertorstr. 18, 91301, Forchheim
Eichhorn – Bamberger Str. 9, 91301 Forchheim
Brauerei Greif – Serlbacher Str. 10, 91301, Forchheim
Löwenbräu-Buttenheim – Marktstrasse 8, Buttenheim, D-96155