The “Master Draught”

The Legend of the Master Drought

The tale dates back to October 1631, when Rothenburg, a Protestant city, was under siege by the Catholic forces of General Johann T’Serclaes von Tilly. After Tilly’s troops successfully breached the city, the general sentenced the town’s leaders to death, intending to punish the Protestant stronghold. In a last-ditch effort to sway the general, the council offered him the finest Franconian wine, served in a massive Humpen glass—a large ceremonial vessel capable of holding nearly a gallon (3.25 liters) of liquid.

Impressed by the gesture and the sheer size of the Humpen glass, Tilly made an unusual proposition: he would spare the town if one of its councilors could drink the entire glass of wine in a single gulp. This bold offer turned the Humpen into a symbol of the city’s fate.

The city mayor, Georg Nusch, stepped forward and accepted the daunting challenge. In one hearty draught, he managed to empty the entire Humpen glass, to the amazement of all present. True to his word, Tilly was so impressed by Nusch’s feat that he spared Rothenburg from destruction.

The Humpen Glass: Symbol of Resilience

The Humpen glass, a traditional large tankard used in the 16th and 17th centuries, was far more than a vessel for drinking—it symbolized celebration, endurance, and communal spirit. These oversized glasses, often holding vast quantities of liquid, were elaborately decorated with intricate designs, including coats of arms, heraldic symbols, religious motifs, and sometimes even painted with enamel. They reflected both the craftsmanship of the era and the importance of drinking culture at the time. In many settings, a Humpen glass was used for communal or ceremonial drinking, representing the abundance of the land and the shared joy of camaraderie.

In Rothenburg’s legendary tale, the Humpen became a tool of salvation. Its sheer size, capable of holding enough wine to challenge even the heartiest drinker, added drama to Mayor Georg Nusch’s daring feat. In that tense moment, the Humpen glass transcended its role as a mere drinking vessel, transforming into a symbol of the town’s survival. Ceremonial drinking from a Humpen, especially in settings involving wine or beer, was a symbol of camaraderie and celebration—perfectly suited to the legendary banquet with General Tilly. The grand gesture of offering wine in such a vessel captured the festive yet tense atmosphere, where drinking became more than a tradition—it became a town’s lifeline.

Wine: The Heart of Franconia

Wine, especially Franconian wine, has deep roots in the region’s culture and history. Known for its quality and distinctiveness, it was a fitting offering to Tilly, a gesture of respect and a reflection of the region’s wealth. The use of wine in this legendary event underscores the centrality of viticulture to Franconian identity. The act of drinking wine from the Humpen glass turned a simple beverage into a lifeline for the town.

While the Master Drought legend might not be confirmed by 17th-century records, it began to take shape in the 18th century when Georg Heinrich Schaffert wrote about the event, with a twist that the Humpen contained poisoned wine. However, the version of the tale we know today, involving Georg Nusch’s daring drink, was first fully recorded in 1826 by Johann David Wilhelm von Winterbach. The story’s evolution cemented the Humpen glass and wine as the heart of Rothenburg’s legendary survival.

The Festival Today

Today, the Master Drought Festival reenacts this legendary event, with the Humpen glass at the center of the play. The city comes alive as townspeople, dressed in period costumes, gather to retell the tale of Mayor Nusch and his extraordinary feat. The festival is not just a celebration of history, but also a tribute to the region’s winemaking heritage, with the Humpen and Franconian wine continuing to play leading roles.

Visitors can witness the dramatic recreation of the challenge in Rothenburg’s medieval town square, where the oversized Humpen glass is filled once again in honor of the town’s enduring spirit. Alongside the theatrical performance, the festival features a medieval market, music, and other festivities that transport visitors back to the 17th century, where wine and courage saved a town.

The Humpen glass and wine are at the heart of the Master Drought Festival, symbolizing not only Rothenburg’s miraculous survival but also the importance of communal drinking and celebration in Franconian culture. The massive glass, filled with the region’s finest wine, turned a moment of despair into one of triumph, reminding us how simple acts—like sharing a drink—can have monumental consequences. Today, the festival ensures that this legendary toast to resilience continues to be celebrated, with wine flowing and the Humpen glass raised high in honor of Rothenburg’s storied past.