What's in my glass? Brauerei Michael Plank – 16th Generation Beer Brewer

May 28, 7:23 AMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

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Brauerei Michael Plank is a 391 year old brewery named after it’s caretaker who has lived all those years..   Today, Michael Plank is the 16^th generation of first born sons named Michael.  His five year old first son, Michael will be the 17^th generation.   Besides having won numerous World Beer Cup Awards including “2006 World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster” this little brewery thrives, producing 10,000 hectoliters (8,500 U.S. barrels) of beer a year.  On a visit to his brewery last November I marveled at tasting his 20 year old barrel aged Weizenbock, literally kept under lock and key.  It has hints of tamarind and cherry with warming sherry/raisin-like character.  A gentle sourness and mustiness of oak left a lasting impression.  

Michael’s family has brewed in the Bavarian village of Laaber since 1617.   They also farm fish and wood, keep cattle, pigs and horses, manage area real estate, the brewery and restaurant.  They even run a GPS-guided local beer delivery service.  With their forward thinking they know what it means to live and brew.