About me
I’m Patrick Murphy, certified Beer Sommelier, beer judge and local entrepeneur. I will take you on the beer & brewery tour of a lifetime!
I was born in Nuremberg Military Hospital and was lucky enough to have spent most of my life living in and around Bamberg – The Beer Capital of Germany!
My Father, Thomas Murphy, served in the United States Army for 20 years, 16 of which he was stationed in Bamberg. My mother is a native of Bamberg. Even as a child, Dad would take me around the counrty side on organized hikes and marches, called a „Volksmarsch“. It would usually end in a beer tent!
After my Father retired, I stayed in Bamberg, finished my German education and worked as a US Government contractor. I always enjoyed a good local brew, especially in combination with the history and culture behind it. I started to make it a point to go visit further out breweries in the area, I had never been to, to test the beer and food.
A few years earlier I had taken notice of the „Craft Beer Revolution“ coming from the United States and spreading across the world. When this merged with a newfound interest in local customs/culture, especially in regards to local beer and food, things started getting really interesting here in Franconia again! The small „Bockbieranstichs“ (seasonal bock beer tapping events), usually only visited by brewery regulars, became major local events. They got bigger and bigger every year with more people, beer and live bands! Also, for the first time in many years, NEW breweries started popping up.
I became so interested in the worldwide beer scene, that I decided to take the Doemens/Kiesbye Certified Beer Sommelier course. Shortly after that I was invited to take part as a judge for the World Beer Awards. I decided it was time to do what I had been dreaming of for years. To offer other people the opportunity to not only see the most well known breweries and beer hot spots in Bamberg and Franconia, but to offer tours that would really go in-depth in the history and culture of the entire area, visiting lesser known breweries and sites of local importance.
Since I grew up as a military brat in Bamberg and lived a few years in Kentucky, New York and Ohio, I speak perfect English and German. I know this town and the area around it like the back of my hand. I know most of the brewers and owner/operators personally. I’m always keeping up with new openings and beer/food offerings by the breweries and beer bars. I don’t need to read into it or look it up…I LIVE here, I know where to go and what events are going on at any given time!
If you book a tour with me, you will be in the rare situation of being shown around Bamberg & Franconia by a LOCAL, who speaks fluent, understandable English and is also a certified Beer Smmelier, knowledgeable in local culture, history AND beer in general!
I grew up with a special understanding of history and the unique culture of where I live. It will be a privilege for me to share this appreciation and knowledge, of this one of a kind beer paradise with YOU!