Did we miss one or two? While our Day Out focuses on these pubs, you may be interested in Keller culture too. The split of rivers into a network of canals has produced a sense of peeling back layers to reach the old town proper, making it an intriguing visit. What is more impressive is the quality, rather than quantity of venues. Sure, this is aided by the terrific beer scene, but there is a lot more to a pub than that, as we will now see. The beers are varied from eucalyptus to brown ale to plain old Helles lager and can be bought on a taster tray a rather expensive one if you want to rattle through them.
The main bar feels like a bit of a wedding function place but that is really the only shortcoming of an otherwise distinctive venue where you can make a sandcastle, pick fresh chillies and order a tasting tray of beer and ales in the same damn spot. A world famous maltings with a Willy Wonka type 19th century complex and guest shop for merchandise and of course, beer. The place is every bit as iconic as anywhere else in the city. Perhaps a little bland and staid in places and at quieter times, be sure to avoid being plonked in the overspill side room to the left of the courtyard that more resembles a creche for the elderly than a pub.
Do your best to nab a table in the main pub where you will find yourself alongside a cast of locals. The first of the traditional Rauchbier smoked beer pubs on the tour. Prepared by drying malt over an open beech wood fire.
Soaking, germinating, kilning, crushing organic barley from the region β laborious, complex manual work β is all done by Spezial and has been since The initial impact of the flavour is powerful, but recedes as the sweetness and hops find harmony in your mouth. In Bamberg they say it takes 3 pints of it to make a smoke beer fan, so be warned β it is an acquired taste!
Their reputation is easily on par with anything else in the city. You can even stay at their inn though they have limited rooms so book ahead! Both for the product and the experience, Spezial is one of the highlights of a trip to Bamberg. Our journey now takes us south east along the riverside, with pleasant views of the river Regnitz and its various bridges. Remember to drink plenty of water as you go!
