Würzburger Hofbräu - Würzburger Pilsner

Pilsners are often not given enough respect because of the horrendously cheap imitations that have spread throughout the world like some kind of plague of poor taste. The Würzburger Pilsner, however, is an example of exactly how the style is supposed to be done. In fact, we feel this German-style pils (there are Czech-style pilsners as well) is a great example of why the style became so popular in the first place. On the pour, look for a fairly clear, sunny, light straw color with a big, fluffy white head. The aroma offers up a base of crackery and biscuity malts, but it’s the hops that really take center stage here and are a true delight, offering a lemony, floral, noble hop character with a slightly herbal, vaguely minty, impression. We found this pilsner very smooth, crisp, and bright on the palate with light bready malt notes overlaid by spicy hops which persist into the finish with an herbal note and light lemony acidity. Extremely well-balanced and eminently drinkable – enjoy!

In Lower Franconia, at the north end of Bavaria, lies the small city of Würzburg which sits astride the Main River near rolling hills and wide open spaces.  This ancient city (evidence of settlement has been found dating back to early Celtic people approximately 3,000 years ago) is home to a much younger brewery, Würzburger Hofbräu.  But don’t get the wrong idea – the brewery is downright old, celebrating its 368th birthday this year.  In fact, it’s the oldest business still in operation in the whole city.  In Germany, certain businesses may come and go, but breweries tend to stick around!

Würzburger Hofbräu was founded by the Main-Franconian Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp von Schönborn in 1643, and was the official brewery to his royal court.  It was in the middle of the Thirty Years War and the prince-bishop’s soldiers were a thirsty bunch; in fact, they had drained the city of almost all of its wine.  So a brewery was built to appease the troops, creating a piece of history that lives on in Würzburg to this day.  The brewery salutes its heritage by decorating its logo with the prince’s crown, which can be seen on the labels of all Würzburger’s beers.

Today, Würzburger Hofbräu is a modern brewery combining high-tech, automated brewing systems with traditional recipes and brewing techniques.  They’ve provided beer to the Kiliani Volksfest (Folk Festival), the largest festival in Lower Franconia, for 75 years, and have recently assumed management of the marquee (tent).  Würzburger also operates a brewery restaurant and beer garden, and welcomes brewery tours.  For more information, check out www.wuerzburger-hofbraeu.de.