Finally – A Night out in Mainz

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Hector

Hector has been passing through Mainz for years but has never stayed over. Mainz is the nearest place to the so called Frankfurt Hahn that the Bus connects with a train to the East. This evening somehow I managed to get from Helensburgh at 15.25 to connect with a Lufthansa Flight to Frankfurt am Main from Edinburgh leaving at 18.30. It was tight and I had to finesse my way to the front of the Security Queue. Edinburgh, the only direct flight to anywhere German from Glasgow is the easyJet flight to Berlin. The only Friday evening flight to anywhere German is this flight to Frankfurt am Main, all the more ironic as the intended destination is Traben-Trarbach, twelve minutes by taxi from Hahn. But Mr. O’Leary in his infinite wisdom has confiscated Weekend Trips to T-T. Hector had to cash in some Avios to make this Trip affordable. The Wolf Strassenfest cannot be missed. The Travel may be considered to be questionable, it is always worth it.

There were no Hotel Rooms to be found in Frankfurt this evening that anyone not on expenses could afford. Mainz, some twenty five minutes from Frankfurt Flughafen was a necessary fall back.

Touching down at the Airport well ahead of schedule, the pilot drove the last 200 km from the runway to the terminal. The walk from the gate to the Station was another lengthy one. Clive and Maggie having sussed the insanity that is the layout of this Airport, were waiting for Hector at the ticket machine. €4 was the modest damage to Mainz, the Hotel Austria would put us up for still a silly amount of money, but this was the only realistic option in the region.

It is seven years since Clive and Hector last set foot in the Eisgrub Brauhaus. The Bier was not that wonderful, but as Karlsberg Pils dominates this part of Deutschland, again a necessary compromise. We found what appeared to be an abandoned table. The remnants of a Tower and a half empty glass lay on a table covered in spillage. Hopefully a Bert would come and clear the mess.

We were ignored by Bert twice. Eventually Doris came and asked us to vacate the table, the Chaps were outside and were returning after their unhealthy ritual. We found a table in the rear in the much cooler Tank Room, again Bert ignored us. How does one get a Bier?

Eventually Bert served us what turned out to be a very good Weizen. Being the first Bier in six days, Hector had demolished #1 before Maggie and Clive had taken the top off theirs. The Doris then re-appeared and this time spoke in English, apologising for having moved us. All was well, good Bier and service, eventually.

This was the eve of a wedding that was destined never to be.  It was therefore a great pity that on this of all evenings Maggie finally found a suitable hat.

When one’s Friday night starts at 23.00, the party is not going to be a long one. A hailed taxi took us back to the hotel, we could have walked, but Turtles are not the only entities with short legs just for walking.

The Hausbrauerei visited today:

Eisgrub-Brau  –  Weißliliengasse 1a,  55116, Mainz,

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The CAMRA Branch Meeting at Fyne Ales

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Hector

Fresh from the Glasgow CAMRA AGM a couple of weeks back, Hector found himself on an official outing. Many had eschewed the opperchancity to visit the Fyne Ales Festival at the Brewery at the end of the Summer, it did not feel good value. Today we had our own Bus organised by [Stan.TC] and a worthwhile Deal which included Ale and Food.

On my last outing to Fyne Ales the People were wonderful, the Food outstanding, and the Ale…. well the Ale was poor in those days. But not any more.

The rendezvous was at the Bon Accord, Hector’s Local. A Group of 15 had become 20 which was good for the Branch who had no doubt taken on the burden of hiring the Mini-Coach. Tim was picked up en route in Dumbarton. Only Robin knows why he came into Glasgow rather than be picked up in his dwelling place. The drive up Loch Lomond had a familiar ring, I do it every day, but not this far up. The junction at Tarbert takes one off to Loch Long and up through the Rest and be Thankful – a magnificent landscape and scene of many Landslides of late. Just over an hour after the start we saw Loch Fyne come into view.

On the last visit I was able to pour my own, such has been the investment at the Brewery, there is now a proper Bar and outside Seating Area. Jonathan went straight for the Cloud Burst, a Copper Ale at 4.6%. Somehow this has escaped, I have had notes for twelve different Brews from this establishment for this year already. To have the excellent Jarl at Source was the perfect start for me. A light refreshing Golden Ale with the much loved Citrus Blast and packing more Flavour than a thousand UK Ales. At only 3.8% this punches way above its weight. It could be a long day, this was a safe start.

Stepping out to he rear courtyard a Chap came up to me and said – You’re Hector! This was Kenny, whom [Stan.TC] insists he introduced me to last year in the Three Judges, but who recognised me having spent two hours reading Curry-Heute. It is always a pleasure to meet one’s Audience, especially when the complements are forthcoming.

Dr Robin in The Chair got the Meeting under way. His promise of it being over in twenty minutes was broken. The second Ale was calling – Avalanche, the Ale I consider to be Fyne Ale’s Signature Brew was the delight that was anticipated. At 4.6% this is approaching our preferred ABV, however this once again ticks all our flavour boxes. The arrival of these two Ales on the Bier Map has really impressed, Hurricane Jack was the first of their Ales which I took seriously.

The Rain was threatening by the time it finished forty minutes later, and more importantly, the Food was ready. Some had sussed this earlier. Mr Boyd had a Pie which I believe contained Steak in addition to the Venison Burger and Venison Sausage Roll that I was able to secure. A Venison Sausage Roll, now I wish to eat no other. The Venison Burger in a Roll with Bits was again a joy. Tracey was too late and pointed out to the Food Doris that there was nothing left for her. The extra Mouths had caught them out. More Food was brought out and the Eating process begun again. Still I did not get one of the Pies, but I had been given sufficient Food that all plans for Curry-Heute were shelved for today.

It was time for the Cloud Burst, we were all indoors by now except Howard and Tracey, anticipating more showers. This Ale was seriously Dry, but without the preferred Citrus. Robin and Jonathan appeared to be sticking with this. There was a final Joker to be played – the Zombier.

Once a departure time was sorted I counted backwards before ordering this 6.9% Monster. The Ale was Dark and Strong. There was the expected Sweetness but not so that it was dominating. Quaffable became my worrying observation.

The Staff once again were wonderful. Worryingly it was announced by Will, The Brewer, that he is leaving to go South at the end of the month. It is his insight and Brewing Skill that has seen us devour the various incarnations of Daavar over the Summer. This will be another Brewery’s gain, and a major loss to Fyne Ales.

Luss

Inverdarroch, the actual location where much of the long running TV Soap – Take the High Road was filmed was the Pit Stop on the way home. The Loch Lomond Hotel is a redevelopment of the original hotel on this site.

Twenty of us walked in, the place was quite full with people dining. Two Ales were on offer, both from the deservedly maligned Loch Lomond Brewery (Alexandria). Not being served first was a distinct advantage £3.50 please. For a 3.8% Ale? Come on! Four of us walked out. There is nothing this Brewery makes that would follow what we had been treated to this afternoon.

Back to Glasgow

Hector has balked at writing epistles about the local Ale scene. Friendships made over many years could be strained. Needless to say there was nothing on the Bon Accord Board to tempt me. Jonathan and I both had bottles of Augustiner’s (München, Bayern) Edelstoff. With Augustiner and Andechs to choose from, something wonderful is guaranteed.

[Stan.TC] had disappeared off to the Three Judges where the Gents toilet had reportedly been brought into the Twenty First Century having missed out on the Twentieth. Jonathan and I followed on. Please use the Ladies. The Ale was no better, time to meet up with Marg.

Brewery and Pubs visited today:

The Bon Accord Ale House – 153 North St, G3 7DA

Fyne Ales Brewery – Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll and Bute, PA26 8BJ

The Loch Lomond Hotel – Luss, Argyll and Bute, G83 8PA

The Three Judges – 141 Dumbarton Rd, Partick X, Glasgow, G11 6PR

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A Brief Stop at The Fat Cat

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Hector

On the way to Rotherham-Maltby to see the recently reformed Grey Lady Down, Hector stopped off for a Quick Half at The Fat Cat, Kelham Island.  Until Pale Rider won the Best Beer of Britain award this indeed was a wonderful Ale.  By 2007 the Brewer had moved on to Ossett, and the Sheffield Flood did no favours.  This Ale is a Pale Shadow of its former self.

In Glasgow none of The Friends of Hector will touch it, this along with Jaipur (Thornbridge, Bakewell, Derbyshire) are simply not what they were, imposters!

The Fat Cat remains a great Pub, with a fine array of Bier and Ale, there  is little to mock.  It is not their fault that the adjacent Brewery on Alma St can no longer produce what they once did.  I tried the Pale Rider, last time at SOURCE it was still a decent tasting Ale, today it could have been antiseptic, dreadful.

Meanwhile Kelham Island, the former industrial heart of Sheffield is unrecognisable compared to how it was when Hector first set foot here in 1996.  The numerous flats have encroached right on to the perimeter of the Brewery,  new clientele, pity about the Beer.

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Friday Night at The Fighting Cock

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Hector

Holden’s and Taylor’s

Normal people go for Curry-Heute after Ale, but not tonight, Ricky, Mein Host was hungry. It was after 21.00 when we left the Punjabi Sweet House and walked around the corner to The Fighting Cock (21 Preston Street,Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1JE), possibly Bradford’s finest pub.

The Board tonight had nothing outstanding but the Holden’s (Dudley, West Midlands) Black Country Special at 5.1% was irresistible. An Amber Bitter it was not too sweet and had good body, a classic English Ale, I had another.

Taylor’s (Keighley, Yorkshire) Landlord at a more modest 4.3% was next up, I had to maintain a balance in names at least. This was my first pint of Landlord in a while, always enjoyable and a change from the obsession with Golden Citrus Ale.

Another Classic Holden Moment

The Fighting Cock will be open until midnight announced Ricky, hence no pressure in having the Curry first. Hector was at the Bar for pint #4 when the Bell rang, Last orders!

Ilkley’s (Ilkley, Yorkshire) Stout Mary at 4.5% would be the last Ale of the evening. A Locale, this was again a pleasant change and certainly reminiscent of Old Peculier at its best.

Normally when Hector comes down to Bradford the Bier flows, not this weekend – this is a Musical Excursion – Grey Lady Down have reformed – Hector is driving to Rotherham tomorrow.

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Magic Rock – The Bier You Want, When You Want it. – only at The Staggs

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Hector

Since our last visit to the wonderful Staggs in Musselburgh the majority of the group have been to Berlin, Prague, Ceske Budejovice, Passau, Nürnberg and München. That was Hector’s Heroic Homecoming, today the feet were itchy again. Nigel was once again challenged by Howard to supply an array of Ale which ticks our boxes. Top of the request list was Magic Rock (Huddersfield) Highwire at a superb 5.5%. This is the Ale that some have been fortunate to sample in Manchester, Staveley and other places that Hector has missed out on. Today, finally.

Ten of us assembled at Glasgow Queen St where First Scotrail are unable to announce the platform a train will depart from until some five minutes or so before its departure. (Deutsche Bahn manage to supply this for every train on every platform in every station in Germany a year in advance.) The Edinburgh Festival is in full swing, the train would be mobbed. Last year we had to stand, not today. It is obvious which train is the Edinburgh train, it is simple to work out that when a train from Edinburgh arrives at Queen St it will leave from the same platform – duuh… We were on the train in a nanosecond after the last passenger alighted. We had seats. Then the sheep came on to the platform, some waited for the next train. Once again the thought of doubling the size of the train at this time of year had not dawned on the railway management. Dozens stood in each carriage, and for how much? Waverley remains a mess, though there are signs of the south side nearing completion.

Hector may well have a downer on the UK rail network, this at a time when DB have confirmed a refund for seven tickets from Nürnberg to Berlin that Hector had to buy when he discovered his tickets were for the wrong day. There’s only one Deutsche Bahn…

Graeme and Dear Katie were at The Staggs to greet us. The Magic Rock was on. Craig, Yvonne, Mark, Howard, Euan, Alan (with new boots) were served with amazing efficiency. Those who took the bus arrived soon after, there was plenty of Ale left for Robin, Jonathan and The Duke of Hamilton. We all had Magic Rock except Alan who quickly devoured Hurricane Jack (Fyne Ales, Cairndow, Argyll and Bute), a 4.4% Light Ale in comparison.

The Magic Rock was everything as it was described to Hector – a very pale, gold colour, full bodied yet deceptively quaffable, hoppy, and so full of citrus the cheeks were sucked in. Superb, this is how the majority of us like our Ale. We had more.

The only break for Hector was a brief re-acquaintance with the aforementioned Hurricane Jack, still very enjoyable and indeed the first Ale that Fyne Ales brewed which made me take note. Another note, Hector has sampled twelve different Ales from Fyne Ales since the turn of the year, this brewery is going places.

The photographs today were minimal. Katie remarked that that if we keep taking photos every time we come through it will simply be a record of her aging. What she worry? She is a long way from the Bus Pass, some of us have one already. Nigel was apparently in a flippant mood this afternoon, the constant ringing of the cash register may have helped.

Ten Chaps and Chapattis though from The West where no single Pub comes anywhere close to supplying this quality of Ale on a consistent basis. Indeed, if we were to graze the board on every Glasgow Pub added together we still wouldn’t come up with the choices available here. As I insist on remarking every time I come through to Musselburgh – Fancy giving the customers what they want, and when they want it.

Today I ventured out back for the first time to see the Bier Garden, pleasant for those who have a nasty habit. Indoors is so healthy these days in comparison.

Late afternoon there was the feeding ritual. Euan appeared first with the classic Fish and Chips. Somehow I ended up with a Chip on my Shoulder, but not for long, Yvonne saw to that.

Mags arrived after her football festivity. Hector has no interest in so-called top flight Scottish Football this season, or for the next two, and heaven forbid maybe longer. The Honourable League shall be my focus of interest instead. At least we were able to watch some quality stuff from Dan Sath.

We leave before the train to Waverley become hourly. We left with dignity, as always.

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Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – Day the Eleventh – Berlin Biermeile

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Hector

There was talk of someone going out to get the ingredients for Breakfast – Bacon Rolls? Alas, when Hector rose after a much needed night’s sleep, there was no sign of Breakfast. The rain was chucking it down, so no need to make an early departure, the Berlin Mile Street Festival.

Those of us who have been to the Biermeile before know to start at the far end – Frankfurter Tor. Strausberger Platz is nearer Alexanderplatz and is where most begin, however, here lies more of the Bayerische Bier, better to keep the best until last.

For reasons unknown, we all bought the Programme and the 0.2l Glass. Each Bier stall stocks the appropriate glass for each Bier sold, and they are probably cleaner, the Souvenir Glass simply means one avoids the hassle of the Pfand, though some people particularly lust after the Pfand.

The first Bier up for Hector was Newcastle Brown vom Fass. The far end of the festival stocks mostly Pils and so I had no desire at all to risk it. Only here and Palm Springs (not Salt Lake City) (California, USA) have I ever had this English Brew on Tap. Clive was up for it too, Howard, Robin and Mags watched in horror. One needs a sense of humour.

Robin found Primator (Nachod Pivovar, Czech Republic) a Bier that was recommended to us by a passing Scottish Bier enthusiast. Nachod is twinned with Mirfield, Yorkshire, not many people know that.

Augustiner (München, Bayern) could not be passed without due homage being paid to Edelstoff. For the record we walked straight passed the Schottische stand which featured Bellhaven and Green King Ales (really), both best ignored. Standards are high.

Uerige, everyone’s favourite Düsseldorf Altbier was our next encounter. It was also time for Lunch, Fish in various forms was purchased by the majority. Bier and Fische, unglaublich!

 

Zunft Kölsch (Wiehl-Bielstein, NRW) was a new one on us, four had this whilst Hector visited the oppsoite stand – Früh.

The Red Zephyrz

John, the Keyboard Player, with this Scottish Covers Band contacted Hector to say they were playing at the Berlin Biermeile. They were just starting the set as we arrived, about a dozen or so people had followed them over from Blighty. Kirschbier (Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle, Deutschland) felt like a palate cleanser. Mags was straight over to join the fun as we watched the Band.

Uncanny but not Unexpected

The Freiberger Bier stand that maintained Hector’s sanity for three nights in Sassnitz was just after the crossing point at the halfway mark. The Freiberger Festbier had to be purchased, I was pleased to be recognised by the Two Main Chaps running the stall. Who knows what the others had?

Here Comes The Sun

The sky turned blue, the gloom had gone, time for Delerium Tremens (Huyghe, Melle, Belgium). This has been the highlight for Robin and Hector on our previous two visits.

To secure this on draught is always a particular pleasure. This Premium Bier was pricey and was also sold by the most attractive Damsels on the entire Mile. The Power of The Pink Elephant. This wonderful experience was followed by a massive Ice Cream.

And Finally…

The Spaten Zelt (München, Bayern) sucked us in, Oompah Band in full flow. The 0.2l glasses were put away, time for a full 0.5l of Oktoberfest Bier. This year’s or last, who knows?

We left with dignity and much earlier than ever before.

Maybe after three visits we think we have done it. Hundreds of Bier stands from all over the World and we had stopped at half a dozen. Hector is coming to the conclusion that the majority of Bier brewed on the planet is not up to much. We know what we like, and we shall keep searching for more of what we like.

The Chaps and Chapatti decided that our next port of call would be the House of 101 Bier. Crossing to West Berlin this was located with the help of our Bier Guides and a memory of the railway bridge being a handy aid for navigation.

There were ten Biers on Tap, most were Pils. Having left the Biermeile our standards had been established. We read the Menu of Bottled Bier, Edelstoff (Augustiner, München) was the only Bier on the entire List that anyone fancied. We left, The House of 101 Biers had only one and we could get it vom Holzfass at Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt.

Three Trips to Berlin this Summer and Hector has only had Bier in two Berlin Pubs.

It had to be Schnitzel, this was how the Summer Marathon in Eastern Europe began, what finer way to end it? The Edelstoff was fantastic as always.

Farewell, Lord Clive

Clive came back to the Garden Suburb to collect his bag, his flight was ridiculously early. Better to go and sit it out at the Airport than waste cash on half a night in a hotel and then struggle with middle of the night transport. Robin and Mags retired, Howard and Hector took advantage of living in Wedding.

And so Hector’s Heroic Homecoming featuring Robin’s Random Ramble ends, or does it? Tomorrow night Hector will be in Aberdeen. Sparkling Water sounds like a Great Tipple, there is not a Bier in Scotland that will tempt me, before next Wednesday…

The Brewery and Bier outlets visited today:

Berlin Biermeile – Frankfurter Allee, Berlin

Haus Der 101 Biere – Mommsenstrasse 45,10629, Berlin

Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt – Charlottenstraße 55, 10117, Berlin

Eschenbräu – Triftstraße 67, 13353, Berlin

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Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – Day the Tenth – The Return to Berlin – #3

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Hector

Decisions, decisions

Back at the Hotel Garni Probst it was time to pack, what to take?

Sorting through the wad of train tickets that were pre-purchased for this Trip there was a sickening feeling when I located the batch for today, they were dated August 1, oops.

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…

I should have checked this before departure, but how on Earth had I ended up with tickets for the wrong day? The Tin-Tinerary was before me as I made the booking. I know that DB do date tickets for a twenty four hour period with the day before one’s travel being the starting date, however the seat reservations were also for yesterday. I phoned DB in London and as expected nobody was there. I left a message outlining the dilemma. (Post Script: Nobody ever did come back to me.)

Mission Impossible

I had to get seven people to Berlin, today. I resolved to be at Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof just after 06.00 to see what could be done. Sleep was non-existent.

Unsurprisingly, there was no queue. The young lady shared my dilemma and went to see her boss. The tickets were not used and so she suggested a refund could be obtained. I was given an address in Bamberg to send them. Meanwhile I had to purchase a Group Ticket to Berlin for seven, ouch!

It took the rest of the Group some time to realise the implications.

Inter-City Zug

Inter-City Trains may be slower but are far more comfortable than the ICE. Having risen so early I had secured seat reservations. Why anyone considers travelling long distance in Europe without a seat reservation is beyond me. We had to remove people from their seats as we boarded, had the reservation light just come on,or were they playing silly buggers, I shall never know.

By the time we reached Berlin-Gesundbrunnen the train was empty. One stop on the S Bahn and we were back in the Garden Suburb of Wedding. Mein Host-ess at the Pension Regine Braun was out at the shops we were told by her pal, but would be back shortly. Moments later she entered, by this time we had allocated ourselves our previous rooms with one spare, for Lord Clive. She was delighted that Clive was with us as he was on a separate booking.

Not More Curry-Heute?

For once Hector did not have Curry-Heute on his mind, but Yvonne did. She and Craig announced they were hungry and were returning to the Naveena Path some fifty metres away. All but Robin thought this was a good idea, it was hours and kilometres since breakfast. Reluctantly I joined them. Robin went straight to Eschenbräu, he knows the way when he is one block away.

When we joined Robin he was drinking the Pils. I have seen enough Pils this summer to last a lifetime, straight into the Weizen. Once more it was cloudy and tasty. The theory that The Hut sells better Weizen than the Main Bar is proven.

There was discussion about where to go next, Craig and Yvonne were staying put. Ironically never having been to the Garden Suburb before they have now proved reluctant to leave. To stay, or to go, the lack of sleep had made a Very Tired, Old Hector.

Without Exaggeration

The question of moving on soon became moot. We ordered some Fladenbrot, a nibble to keep us going, plus Robin had eaten nothing since breakfast. The sky darkened, unlike Passau where the wrong type of clouds made heavy rain, it took no skill to realise what was imminent. By now there was a significant populous in the Keller. The first drops started a movement indoors. Having gone but a few metres the hailstones fell, they were the size of marbles. Hector has never seen such large hailstones, ouch again!

The extension to the indoor area meant everyone was accommodated. We sat beside two chaps drinking Apple Juice and ensconced in their Laptops. They were amused by Bier-Traveller.com on realising that the Stars were sitting before them.

Schwarze Molle

It was time to try another Bier. The Schwarze Molle is Black as the name suggests, malty and was worth a sample. I could not drink this as a Session Ale. Back to the Weizen.

The Expected Guest

Robin’s phone had been out of commission for days, he left his charger in the hotel a few days into The Trip. It was up to Hector to make contact with John whom we knew was in Berlin. This is the same John who makes the occasional but poignant contributory comments to Curry-Heute. John came in out of the rain with his Group, some were recognised. They had to sit elsewhere such was the pressure on the seating. Still people poured in, nobody was going anywhere, except Craig and Yvonne.

They fly home tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we will be a Perfect Five for the Berlin Biermeile.

The Bill

 The Fladenbrot took over an hour to arrive due to the Meteorological Disruption, and in two batches. Despite this and changing venues, our Lovely Doris had The Bill accurate to the nearest Euro.

The Brewery visited today:

Eschenbräu – Triftstraße 67, 13353, Berlin

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Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – Day the Ninth – Munchen

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Hector

In a moment of rational thinking last evening Jonathan and Hector came to the conclusion that if we were to travel as a group on the optimum Nürnberg-München RE, we would be better buying First Class Bayern Tickets. The train was stowed, the train was delayed, people were invited to take the adjacent slow train, the tactic paid off. Little did we know that there were only twelve First Class seats, we occupied ten.

Curry before Bier

Jim and Aileen met us at München Hauptbahnhof. Neil, Lord Clive and {Stan.TC] joined Hector for Curry-Heute at the magnificent Indien Mango. Howard went to Andechs am Dom, Jonathan, Aileen and Jim went up to the Augustiner Keller, and the rest went to Tegernsee. For some, four hours on a train in one day is not enough, seven is better.

Post Curry, we walked up from Isartor to Marienplatz discovering a wandering Aileen en route. We found Howard sitting alone inside Andechs am Dom. Do you have Spezial Hell?

Hector settled for the ordinary Helles, still pretty good before possibly the finest Weizen on Earth was tackled.

The stay was brief, the S Bahn took us up to the Augustiner Keller. This would be the first time Hector had sat out at this fine venue, previous visits have been at less clement times of year and hence inside. Jim and Jonathan were well installed.

The Keller was relatively empty, two Steins later and the place was stowed. What was most evident that this place is not necessarily known by tourists, thousands were here, mostly local as far as I could tell. Edelstoff vom Holzfass was the Bier of choice. This completed the Bier Circle, back to where we began in Berlin.

Neil and Hector were left as the  company departed to sample a new Bier at the Schneider Haus (im Tal). We were taking things slowly.

Tegernsee done, news reached us the Craig, Yvonne, Robin and Mags were at the Augustiner Brewery Tap, the venue where we have brought in New Year in 2010 and 2011. Some would have us go every year, Huddersfield 2013 it is. Huddersfield?

Neil and Hector crossed the Railway Line to join the people I had not had a Bier with for three days now. They are back in this Saga. They might also have been pleased to see us.

The Edelstoff here is served under pressure, it was decidedly different from the joy of the gravity poured across the way and now Berlin. The less gassy version reigns supreme.

Once again the optimum RE back to Nürnberg was mobbed. Only half of us managed to get seats in the available First Class compartments. A young chap opposite was clearly bluffing. Somebody had a rant about the lack of seats. Today was the start of a Bayern Holiday, everybody was on the move. It may also explain the midweek thousands at the Augustiner Keller. Eventually we all had a seat but not before the Ranter sprayed Bier over the Charming Lady in our Compartment. Who brought the Bier?

Next door a couple of Nürnbergers became involved in conversation with Craig et al. It was no surprise when they turned up for our final Bayerische Bier at Andechs.

The Andechs Doppelbock Dunkels has become our traditional Nightcap. A Bock that lives up to its name and completely different from our normal Light. Hoppy Bier. This is Sweet, Dark and Strong, superb.

There was a Falafel, it was terrible.

This was farewell to Neil who flies home from München tomorrow. [Stan.TC] and Jonathan will stay an extra day in Nürnberg before heading home via Köln. They are not in this Saga anymore.

Hector went back to the noisy hotel room, then something happened…

 

The Breweries and Bier outlets visited today:

Andechs am Dom – Weinstraße 7, 80333, München

Augustiner Keller – Arnulfstraße 52, 80335, München

Augustiner Bräustuben – Landsberger Straße 19, 80339, München

Kloster Andechs Das Wirthaus – Königstraße 55, 90402, Nürnberg

Posted in München, Nürnberg | 1 Comment

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – Day the Eighth – Bamberg, A Bier too far…

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Hector

After the excesses of yesterday there should ave been a good night’s sleep, alas in the Cupboard which was Room 221 in Hotel Garni Probst, there was a problem. A generator of some description was located outside the window, this meant the it was always difficult to get back to sleep due to the deep throbbing. Well, that’s my excuse.

The Tintinerary showed that today there would be Curry-Heute in Erlangen, there was. Howard, Neil and Lord Clive made the investment in a Bayern Ticket worthwhile and we were A-Salted in the Erlangen Curry House.

The Carrot for Erlangen was not the Curry but the possibility of a new Bier at the Steinbach Brewery. The normally Trusty HTC let Hector down, no Maps were forthcoming. With two Geographers in the Company we decided to apply some logic to locate Hauptstrasse.

Ecce Hauptstrasse!

If I were to position the Hauptstrasse in this town I would put it here – said Hector as he turned the corner, and there it was! There was a fanfare of Trumpets, self blown. Hauptstrasse 116 proved to be on the edge of the Town Centre a good ten minute walk away. The Curry might go down.

This was Hector’s third trip to Erlangen, he had yet to sample the local Bier. It was not about to happen at this instant either, Steinbach was closed. Ruhetag was assumed, though [Stan.TC] told us later it did not open until 17.00.

Howard led the way to Kitzmann, he was there last year. By this time Hector was seriously thirsty, a brisk walk following the Salty Curry. Orange-Lemonade was called for, with a Helles to wash it down. The others tackled a Festbier, not for me.

The Bier was pleasant, not outstanding.  It is never a first choice at The Allison Arms  (Glasgow, Scotland).

Onwards to Bamberg

Jonathan and [Stan.TC] were Buttenheim bound the last time we saw them. I knew the train would not stop there, Dr. Stan would have known that. We played catch-up. Schlenkerla is closed on a Tuesday and so this would be the strangest of Day Trips to the Bier Capital of The World.

The Lagerbier at Spezial is Smoky, but not as severe as Schlenkerla, perhaps just as well today. Neil should have been throwing it down as he had not endured the excesses of yesterday, this was not the case.

Keesmann is located a good bit out of the Centre, another brisk walk. [Stan.TC] and Jonathan were still across the road at Mahrs when we arrived. Being mid-afternoon, there was no problem getting a table. The Head Doris was on duty, there was a glimmer of recognition. She must know us by now.

The Sternla Lagerbier was ordered, superb as ever. Normality was being restored. The Mahrs-tians joined us, they ordered food, Schnitzel-Pizza no less. We were a healthy six once more. Four people are not in this Saga today.

BOB

Jonathan, the Reliable Master of the International Bus-Timetable announced a Bus back to the BOB connecting to the Bahnhof. Back to Nürnberg. Had I really been to Bamberg? Next Summer, if not before…

Jonathan applied his talents to the Nürnberg U-Bahn and took us up the hill to the Augustiner Schranke, not more Edelstoff, surely? This outlet has Schlenkerla von Fass, the square was completed. [Stan.TC] and Hector walked back to the Hotel, this had been the quietest of days.

München tomorrow, after another night with the Big Generator, why had I not asked for another room?

The Breweries and Bier outlet visited today:

Kitzmann  –  Sudliche Stadtmauerstrasse 25, Erlangen

Spezial  –  Obere Königstraße 10,  96052, Bamberg

Keesmann-  Wunderburg 5, 96050, Bamberg

Augustiner Schranke  –  Beim Tiergartnertor 3, 90403, Nürnberg

Posted in Nürnberg, Bamberg, Erlangen | 1 Comment

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming – Day the Seventh – Annafest

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Hector

The journey from Passau to Nürnberg was the shortest of the Trip. Lord Clive and Jonathan checked into the Ibis, [Stan.TC] led the rest of us to his favoured Hotel – Garni Probst. It was just as well Hector had left The Cat at home, everyone seemed to be allocated a fine room, I had a cupboard.

At this point The Friends of Hector split. Craig, Yvonne, Robin, Neil and Mags had nefarious activities planned. [Stan.TC], Jonathan, Clive, Howard and Hector made our rendezvous at the Hauptbahnhof with Jim and Aileen. They are resident in München this week, they took the opperchancity to join us at the last day of Annafest.

Arriving in Forchheim we had to find the Bus to Kellerwald. A Driver pointed to the appropriate vehicle, the Bayern Ticket covered the extra short journey.

For those who have never been, the Annafest is like no other. An entire hillside, covered in forest, is the location of the true Kellers in the region. The Breweries of Franconia are well represented, Keller Bier being the Golden Liquid on offer. This is a day of Stein-drinking, so pacing oneself is mandatory. It would be a heavy day regardless.

The Fit reached the top of the hill three days before the rest. A shaded bench secured, Doris brought the Bier. Neder (Forchheim) is our traditional starting point, start at the top, work one’s way down. The Bier is superb, dry and hoppy, and always served cool.

Here, Fishy-Fishy

There are rituals, Smoked Mackerel at a Bierfest is certainly one.  Hector was not to be denied.  And some people think I only eat Curry?

Some suggested we have another – what? We moved on.

Rittmayer (Hallerndorf) was a new port of call. The difference in Bier quality was astonishing, you can’t win them all.

Hebendanz (Forchheim) took us back to familiar territory, by this time the party was in full swing. It was also time to consult the wonderful DB App to check on the optimum departure time for the München Two.

Aileen was keen to go to the Löwenbräu (Buttenheim) Keller. She was also convinced that Hansi would be there to greet us. Disappointment set aside, we found a table in the hub of the entire site. Our Bert was indifferent at times in bringing the Bier. This is where we were, this is where we would be staying. Löwenbräu could well be the King of the Keller Bier.  Who is Hansi?  Well the owner of Löwenbräu our favourite  Buttenheim     Brewery of course!

Jim and Aileen had to take their leave, they missed the train for which their ticket was valid, so an ICE it was. They texted later to say that the Gripper charged them no excess for being on the wrong train, the joy of being the Innocent Tourist, not.

Hello Hansi!

Taking a break, I recognised the adjacent Chap, we must stop meeting like this. Hansi was collared, em invited to come over and greet the gang.

I have been making regular pilgrimages to Buttenheim since 1997, the rest in the subsequent years. He must wonder as to the periodic influx of Scots at his Buttenheim Gastätte. He did drop a couple of vouchers, this posed a question – who gets the Free Bier, then it was solved, buy it, share it.

Bert was happy with his Tip.  Or was it because we knew The Boss?

Bus or Taxi

Yes, it was one of those back to the Station.

And then there were three…

For reasons unknown, we persuaded Doris at the Andechs House to serve us some of the very Spezial Hell. It remains one of life’s long unsolved mysteries as to why the  Nürnberg outlet sells the signature Helles whereas the München am Dom outlet does not.  The man who was last out definitely had a smile on his face.

Two little Boys…

For completely unknown reasons, Lord Clive persuaded me at gun point to consume one final Weizen. Kuchlbauer (Abensberg) is one of these very average Biers typically sold in German Bars, which is why our philosophy is to visit the Brewery Taps of the best places.  We had a Doggy for company.  Kebab Time.

 

The Bier Outlets visited today:

Kellerwald – Forchheim

Kloster Andechs (Nürnberg) – Königstraße 55, 90402, Nürnberg

The Doggy Place – Nürnberg

 

Posted in Nürnberg, Forchheim | 2 Comments