We rode our bikes through Forcheim ( on our way from Nuremburg to Bamberg along the canal) and had a couple of wonderful days there. I was absolutely amazed at the number of beer gardens on the hill overlooking the town. And yes, the old lagering caves were still being used on a daily basis. It's well worth a visit.
The hop museums (alas in German) at Tetnang and Hallertau are show pieces for tourists as well. If you brew you can work out what they are about. Besides my wife is my google native translater.