Brauerei Greifenklau

Brauerei Greifenklau is a small, family-run brewery and brewery inn (Brauereigasthof) in Bamberg, in the Upper Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. Its name derives from the canon Franz Friedrich Greifenklau, who founded the brewery in 1719. The brewery is one of the smallest in Bamberg, producing roughly 990 hectolitres of beer per year according to its French Wikipedia entry, and it is known for a traditional Franconian range of beers served in its own tavern as well as sold locally. Since 1914 the brewery has been owned by the Brockard family. The family acquired the Greifenklau property when it was in poor condition and, after extensive renovation, gradually restored brewing on site. Today the fourth generation of the family runs the business: brewmaster Sigmund Brockard, who took over the brewhouse in August 2007, and his sister Ulrike Göller (née Brockard), a hotel management specialist. Their parents, Dagmar and Sigmund Brockard, shaped the operation over many years and remain involved in an advisory capacity. The brewery's product range combines year-round classics with seasonal specialties. Core beers include a Lager (4.9% ABV), a Helles (4.7% ABV) and a Kellerbier (4.9% ABV). Seasonal and rotating beers include a Roter Bock (7.0% ABV), a Bock (6.9% ABV), a series of cold-hopped pale bocks in January, a Rote Bock in March, a lightly smoked 'Greif-R' in May, a Märzen in September and the traditional Bockbieranstich (bock beer tapping) in November. The brewery also operates a Keller (cellar) and hosts events such as the Poldi-Bock on the Altenburg. As a family brewery, Greifenklau positions itself on tradition, craftsmanship and Franconian hospitality rather than scale. Its beers are served in its own brewery inn and at local events, and the business communicates with customers through its website and social media channels. The brewery remains privately held and independent, with no parent company or stock listing.

Brauerei Greifenklau traces its origins to 1719, when the canon Franz Friedrich Greifenklau founded the brewery in Bamberg and gave it his name. For roughly two centuries the brewery operated under changing circumstances in the Franconian brewing city of Bamberg, which is known for its dense concentration of small breweries. In 1914 the property was purchased by the great-grandfather of the current owners, the Brockard family. At that time the building was heavily run-down and barely habitable. Before brewing could be considered, extensive renovations were necessary simply to allow hygienic living and working. Initially, brewing took place outside the premises because the brewery's own rooms were unsuitable. The family's goal was clear: one day beer would be brewed again at the Greifenklau. After years of work, brewing returned to the site. The Second World War brought another forced pause, but the family survived that period as well. After the war, the grandfather of the current generation took over the brewery. He continued the brewing tradition and invested in the business, marking a phase of rebuilding and growth. Over the following decades the brewery established itself as a small but respected family operation in Bamberg, with its own brewery inn serving its beers. In August 2007 the fourth generation took charge of the brewhouse and the tavern. Sigmund Brockard, the fourth consecutive brewmaster in the family (the sixth in the broader family history), and his sister Ulrike Göller (née Brockard), a hotel management specialist, now lead Brauerei Greifenklau together. Their parents, Dagmar and Sigmund Brockard, had shaped the business over many years with passion, foresight and personal commitment; although they have gradually withdrawn from day-to-day operations, they continue to support the next generation with their experience and advice. Today the brewery remains a small, independent family business. According to its French Wikipedia entry, it produces about 990 hectolitres of beer per year, making it one of the smallest breweries in Bamberg. Its range combines year-round classics such as Lager, Helles and Kellerbier with seasonal specialties including Roter Bock, Bock, cold-hopped pale bocks in January, a lightly smoked 'Greif-R' in May, a Märzen in September and the traditional Bockbieranstich in November. The brewery also operates a cellar and hosts events, such as the Poldi-Bock on the Altenburg. The business communicates through its website and social media channels and continues to emphasize tradition, family and craftsmanship.

• 2007

  In August, the fourth generation takes over the brewhouse and tavern; Sigmund Brockard and Ulrike Göller lead the brewery.

• 1914

  The Brockard family's great-grandfather purchases the run-down Greifenklau property; brewing initially takes place outside the premises.

• 1719

  Brewery founded in Bamberg by canon Franz Friedrich Greifenklau, after whom it is named.

• After years of renovation, brewing returns to the Greifenklau site.

• The Second World War forces another pause in brewing.

• After the war, the grandfather of the current generation takes over and continues the brewing tradition.

Small, independent family brewery and brewery inn emphasizing Franconian brewing tradition, craftsmanship and seasonal beers.

• Lager

• Helles

• Kellerbier

• Roter Bock

• Bock

• Weizenbier

• Zwickelbier

• Greif-R (lightly smoked)

• Märzen

1. 1Brauerei Greifenklau Bamberg - Von Generation zu Generation Bamberger Biertradition seit 1719greifenklau.de
2. 2Geschichte: Familie und Handwerk - Brauerei Greifenklau Bamberggreifenklau.de
3. 3Brauerei Greifenklaufr.wikipedia.org
4. 4Wikidata Q900219wikidata.org