When it comes to international beer awards, Franconia consistently stands out. A brewery from Upper Franconia was awarded for 14 beers, while another received this year’s top honor.
The “Finest Beer Selection” is a relatively new award, introduced in 2023. Although it might not yet hold the same prestige as established awards like the World Beer Cup or the European Beer Star, it has already gained significant recognition. This accolade is awarded by the Doemens Academy in Gräfelfing, a state-recognized institution famous for brewing education, in partnership with the Meininger Verlag, a leader in beverage media.
Finest Beer Selection: Top Beer and Brewery of the Year Both from Franconia
The beers at the Finest Beer Selection do not compete against each other. Instead, each is evaluated by an international panel of judges through blind tasting, rated on a scale from 0 to 100. Any beer achieving over 90 points receives the accolade. Notably, no beer has yet scored a perfect 100, but this year, three beers reached an impressive 98 points, including one from Franconia.
The top score of 98 points was awarded to the Kaiserdom Smoked Beer from Bamberg. Additionally, the title of “National Brewery of the Year” goes to the Kundmüller Brewery located in Weiher, a district of Viereth-Trunstadt. The brewery earned 14 awards at the Finest Beer Selection, showcasing their remarkable brewing excellence.
The panel’s discerning palate is evident; not all submitted beers received awards. According to the event’s organizers, this year saw 843 beers from 122 breweries tasted, with only 285 achieving scores between 90 and 100 points.
Recognized Franconian Beers
Brauerei-Gasthof Kundmüller GmbH – National Brewery of the Year
Location: Weiher 13, 96191 Viereth-Trunstadt (Upper Franconia) – Website: www.brauerei-kundmueller.de
- Weiherer Doppelbock hfg. Rum (96 points) – A wood-aged double bock with rum barrel notes.
- Weiherer / Cervejaria Bamberg Rauchbock (95 points) – A collaboration with Brazilian Cervejaria Bamberg, a robust smoke bock.
- Weiherer Bock Bourbon Style (93 points) – Bock beer with bourbon characteristics.
- Weiherer Bock (93 points) – A classic Franconian bock, malt-forward and full-bodied.
- Weiherer Rauch Alkoholfrei (92 points) – Alcohol-free smoked beer, a unique offering.
- Weiherer / Oldskool Rauchweizen (92 points) – A collaborative brew, wheat beer in Franconian tradition.
- Weiherer Weizen Hell (92 points) – A fruity and refreshing light wheat beer.
- Weiherer Hopfenweizen (92 points) – A hop-forward wheat beer with strong aromatic hops.
- Weiherer / Cervejaria Bamberg Zapfenduster (92 points) – A collaboration, dark beer specialty.
- Weiherer Kräusen Hell (91 points) – Hazy Hell beer, enriched with krausen (young beer).
- Weiherer Keller (91 points) – Unfiltered cellar beer, typically Franconian.
- Weiherer Landbier Hell (91 points) – A quaffable light country beer.
- Weiherer Schwärzla (91 points) – Dark Schwarzbier with roasted aromas.
- Weiherer Rauch (90 points) – Franconian smoked beer with distinctive smoky aroma.
