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Tag des Deutschen Bieres
by Scott Rankin

The "Day of German Beers" is the anniverary of the issuing of the Reinheitsgebot in 1516 by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria

It was a glorious Friday afternoon, not in terms of weather, but in the fact that all nine Bamberg breweries were represented under one tent.

On April 23rd from 10a.m. to 6p.m. there was a celebration of Bamberg's tasty brews. The air of the Grüner Markt was filled with the music of a three man "oompah band" and the smell of grilled bratwurst. Competing to quench our thirsts were all the Bamberg Breweries: Spezial, Maisel, Mahr's, Keesman, Kaiserdom, Klosterbrau, Fassla, Schlenkerla, and Greifenklau. Although it was difficult to choose a favorite amongst the elixirs of life, Klosterbrau's Schwärzla, Spezial Lagerbier, and Mahr's "U" stood out.

..and the band played on

As we worked our way through the gauntlet of beer we witnessed an ancient competition involving strength and determination. The prize, of course, was a rack of beer to whoever could hold a copper kettle filled with 2 liters of liquid over their head the longest. Even though only one person won the rack of beer, on this day all of the fest-goers were winners.

Contest of Strength and Determination

Inside the beer tent

Scott and colleague Andrew on the Day of German Beers

Scott is an American who lives in Kemmern, near Bamberg. He can be reached at scott@FranconiaBeerGuide.com

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