[posterchild]

BTW, where in Germany? Found that the best beers were the local microbrews that each town seemed to have. Hefeweizen became a favorite of mine.

[Defend the Second]

I was based in Baumholder (US Army base, home of the 1st Armored division) but we traveled all over Bavaria, Austria, Central and Western France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Of all of these people I liked the Germans the best.

Living with the Army I had no shortage of guys offering me advice on "Bier". That was where I first tried Hefeweizen, and it is today my favorite beer.

Quick story: At Herrenkiemsee we toured Mad King Ludwig's castle on the island, then walked down to a beer garden on the edge of the lake. Older guy behind the outdoor bar looks at my Army Captain brother and says "You American soldier, you drink free." He proceeds to tell us how during the war his unit walked 200 kilometers to surrender to the Americans and by the way, avoid surrendering to the Russians. When they encountered American tanks and soldiers in a nearby tree line, they all sat down in a field and raised their hands, hoping not to get shot or strafed. After the surrender he said the first thing the Americans did was feed them. And so for that reason 60 years later "You American soldier, you drink free." I being a fat, soft American civilian, I did not drink free. But I like the Germans.

[Night Hides Not]

Found that the best beers were the local microbrews that each town seemed to have. Hefeweizen became a favorite of mine.

One of my favorite spots was the Konigsbacher brewery in Koblenz. Its restaurant always had bock beer on tap, and you can enjoy your meal with a nice view of the Rhine River.