Fässla Brewery, Bamberg

Fässla Brewery carries a rich history that intertwines the craftsmanship of barrel-making with the art of brewing. In the past, aspiring brew masters had to master the skill of barrel-making as part of their brewing apprenticeship. The close relationship between these two trades led to their organization within the same guild in Bamberg. Fässla Brewery, founded in 1649, takes its name, meaning "little cask," as a nod to this historical connection.

Present-day Fässla Brewery welcomes a local community of beer enthusiasts, some of whom eagerly gather as soon as the Schwemme, the traditional Bavarian beer hall, opens at 8:30 a.m. Situated across the street from Brauerei Spezial, Fässla distinguishes itself by opening earlier and closing later, creating a lively and spirited atmosphere.

Within Fässla, you can enjoy their offerings in the vibrant Schwemme, surrounded by lively conversations, or opt for a seat in the equally animated Stube, a cozy tavern-like setting. Their draft Pils, subtly infused with floral notes, presents a light and refreshing option that could easily be mistaken for a Helles. Meanwhile, their Lagerbier, with its deeper golden hue, offers a more pronounced flavor profile that remains balanced, smooth, and rounded. The interplay of a pleasant spicy bitterness, a mild stone fruit minerality, and hints of breadiness, light toast, and marzipan make it a delightful choice, prompting you to order another round of this quaffable beer, boasting a 5.5% ABV.

If you have limited time for just one beer at Fässla, make it their flagship brew named Zwergla, after their ubiquitous mascot, the little gnome. Zwergla embodies the characteristics of drier dark lagers from Munich, malty Franconian beers akin to Kloster Weißenohe, and rich Czech dark lagers with mocha and chocolate undertones, such as U Fleků. A gentle mineral-stone fruit aroma reminiscent of fermentation cellars mingles with notes of mild cocoa, Swiss milk caramel, and country butter, adding complexity to the beer. With a dash of spice, Zwergla boasts a creamy and smooth palate, finishing dry but not overly austere. Despite its name, Zwergla, at 6% ABV, is far from dwarfed and can be deceptively drinkable.