The handsome guy on the label of this beer is Franz Josef himself. Not Franz Josef Strauss and not Sissi’s Franz Joseph I, but Franz Josef from Eltmann. Despite his apolitical career and his non-aristocratic origins, there are numerous myths and legends surrounding the namesake of this creation.
If you believe the stories that the citizens of Eltmann still tell each other behind closed doors to this day, Franz Josef was a real feast for the eyes. As the eldest son and heir to the master brewer at the local brewery, he already had a good standing, but his attractiveness and activity in the local shooting club made him a particularly sought-after match. As an ambitious young man, he naturally wanted to become a shooting king, but this position was occupied for a long time. When the farmer, who was the shooting king year after year, died, Franz Josef sensed his chance and tried his luck at the next shooting festival. Fate and the fact that the winner traditionally gave one or two rounds to the entire audience favored Franz Josef and he was chosen as the next shooting king.
To this day, the Bavarian Helle from the Eschenbach private brewery is named Franz Josef in his honor. The beery homage to the beautiful shooting king is a drinkable brew that ensnares the palate with a robust taste, gentle hops and a delicately balanced character.
EschenbacherWater, barley malt, hops
