There’s nothing flashy about Franconia Brewing Company in McKinney. Driving on McDonald, just north of University, you might spot an unassuming brick building in the vicinity of a white silo, unknowingly having passed an outpost of the Bavarian brewing tradition nestled in the heart of North Texas. The unpretentious locale matches the attitude of brewmaster Dennis Wehrmann. Dennis comes from a family of German brewers who’ve been in the business since 1800. He describes Franconia’s philosophy as “traditional”, adhering to the German purity laws for beer making. Water, barley, hops, and yeast; Franconia doesn’t have need for much else. “Not that we don’t do anything fun or crazy,” says Dennis, “but we want to show what beer was, is, and was meant to be.”

This old world sensibility influences more than just the kinds of beer Franconia produces, it affects their methodology as well. Concern for the environment is evident in several of Franconia’s practices. Producing their own energy on sight with solar panels and natural gas, reusing up to 85% percent of their water, and giving their excess grain to local farmers to use as cattle feed, Franconia might be the most eco-conscious of DFW’s many craft breweries. Being green is good for Mother Nature, of course, but environmental responsibility has some other unexpected perks it turns out: “I don’t buy steaks from the grocery store any more”, says Dennis, “only the farmers whose cows eat our grain. It tastes amazing.”

During our visit to Franconia we got to try two of their staple brews: the traditional German style lager and their Hefeweizen. Sampling the product, it becomes clear that Dennis’s talk of preserving the Bavarian brewing tradition is more than just lip service. The beers are approachable, true to their style, and most importantly, delicious. This quality and consistency across the stable of Franconia’s core lineup is reflected in their sales numbers, as Dennis informs us, there isn’t one of their beers outselling its companions by a significant margin.

The buying public might see all of Franconia’s beers as relatively equal, but let it be known that the author of this feature highly recommends their Dunkel, a dark lager with a delightful roasted coffee aroma and a deeply satisfying dark chocolate finish.

For the cost of only $5 you can get a feel for Franconia yourself. Public tours are every Saturday at 11AM, and in addition to getting a behind the scenes glimpse at Franconia’s process, you’ll also get to sample their various brews. Franconia doesn’t include a taproom space like some other prominent DFW breweries, so don’t go in anticipating anything resembling a bar experience. Do go in expecting an education in the Bavarian brewing tradition, a selection of quality craft beers, and a friendly group of brewers you wouldn’t mind drinking a pint with. Don’t pass up a chance to to try “The Bier From Here”.