A variety of Czech beers allow you to satisfy the needs and requirements of most lovers of this low-alcohol, malt drink. This article will briefly talk about the history of brewing in the Czech Republic and introduce the reader to the most popular brands of foamy alcohol in this European country.

1 Thousand-year history of Czech beer

Czech, like, belongs to the oldest intoxicating drinks in Europe. The first documentary mention of brewing in the Czech Republic dates back to 1088. The charter, which has survived to this day, speaks of the foundation of the church named after Vyshegrad in the fortress of Vyshegrad. Saints Peter and Paul. The valuable artifact also contains a few lines about beer, which the Pope allowed the citizens of the country to brew exclusively for personal use. Thanks to this, small breweries appeared in almost every residential yard.

Under King Wenceslas, beer was brewed on an industrial scale for sale. Since then, the malt drink has become extremely popular in the Czech Republic. It got to the point that local feudal lords significantly increased their capital by selling their grain alcohol and banning the purchase of a drink from other breweries. But this state of affairs was detrimental to the general market for malt alcohol, and from the sixteenth century, brewing began to fade. The outbreak of the Thirty Years' War only contributed to the destruction of the traditions of making intoxicating products.

The revival of the Czech national culture in the 19th century gave a new impetus to the development of the local alcohol industry. Gradually, the grain drink again took its rightful place on the table of the Czechs. With the advent of socialism in the country, brewing moved to a new level of development. The scale of its production has also changed in a big way, while the price of the drink remained very low. After the Velvet Revolution, huge foreign capital was invested in the local alcohol industry, and most of the finished products began to be exported.

2 Types of beer - classification and subgroups

Czech beer is quite widely represented on the Russian alcohol market. But this is only a small fraction of what Czech manufacturers can offer to the sophisticated consumer. There are so many varieties of malt drink in this country that it is not so easy to understand them. In most cases, Czechs prefer low gravity beer. The best varieties have a density of 10-12%, and the alcohol content in them ranges from 3.5-4.2%.

Beers brewed in the Czech Republic and made from wheat, barley, rice or corn can be classified according to the type of wort:

• Světlá (light) is the main type of foamy drink produced in the Czech Republic;
• Tmavá (dark) - alcohol with an original, refined taste, brewed from dark malt;
• Polotmavá (semi-dark) - an intoxicating drink made from three types of malt: light, dark and caramel;
• Řezaná (sliced) - alcohol, which includes two or more types of beer.

The four main groups of varieties of foamy drink are divided into brands. If you find the word Stolni on the bottle label, this means that alcohol belongs to the table group. It is made from barley malt and has a density of no more than 6%. The so-called "beds" (Ležák) have a density of 11-12% and are also brewed with barley malt. Brand "Porter" (Porter) - drinks with a density of more than 18%, mostly dark varieties. Pšeničné is brewed with wheat malt, and flavored drinks are labeled Ochucené. Non-alcoholic beer lovers look for Nealkoholická on labels.

3 Three most popular Czech beers

It is impossible to say unequivocally which varieties or brands of malt drink are the most popular. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. However, according to the total sales volumes, the brands most in demand among the consumer can be distinguished. Out of competition beer Pilsner Urquell (Pilsner Urkvel), brewed in the city of Pilsen. Basically, this drink is exported. In the Czech Republic itself, this brand is called Plzeňský Prazdroj.

This brand was first brewed by Josef Groll in 1842. Pilsner Urquel is a light drink, golden in color with a bitter aftertaste and slight honey notes.

In second place is Velkopopovický Kozel beer. The drink is brewed in the village of Velké Popovice in the Central Bohemian region. Four varieties of this spirit are known all over the world. The pale variety has a good hop flavor and a nice golden color. The dark variety is distinguished by a slight chocolate flavor and fruity aroma. All varieties of low-alcohol drink Velkopopovitsky goat are united by a bitter aftertaste.

Closes the top three favorite Czech varieties - Staropramen (Staropramen). It is produced in Prague at the Staropramensky brewery. This drink is brewed in ten varieties, each of which is truly unique. Light beer Staropramen has the taste of sweet malt, dark varieties have the aroma of roasted grains. And non-alcoholic beer Staropramen is the best in its category.

4 Traditional beer snacks

The Czech Republic has long had its own traditions and national preferences when drinking beer. In this country, you will not be completely understood if you choose an appetizer such as dried fish, or kirieshki for an intoxicating drink, although the latter are very popular in the Baltic countries. In many local bars, you can find such a line on the menu as Něco na začátek, which literally means "something to start with".

It can be a variety of light dishes. For example, cheese platter (Sýrové prkénko), consisting of Niva, Ramadour, Germelin cheeses. For lovers of meat dishes, bars have prepared a meat plank (Masové prkénko), which is a series of meat cuts, which are accompanied by mustard, pickled and pickled cucumbers. And yet, the use of a foamy drink is not complete here without fish. Zavinách appetizer is represented by thin slices of mackerel or herring rolled into a roll stuffed with pickled vegetables.

Many beer drinkers take minced salmon and lettuce as a light snack. Tourists often turn their attention to the appetizer Utopenec (drowned man), which consists of a salted sausage with vegetables and spices. In the list of hot appetizers, we will again meet dishes with cheese in the first place. Smažený hermelín - fried cheese with whipped cream and lingonberry sauce, or Grilovaný hermelín - grilled cheese with vegetable garnish and sauce. These snacks are very original and well emphasize the taste of local beer. When it comes to hot meat dishes, Czechs love fatty meat with a simple side dish (sauerkraut).

Having been in the Czech Republic, you can not get around the dishes prepared on the basis of beer. Beer soup with croutons or fried cod in beer tastes great. In conclusion, I would like to say that Czech beer is not just an intoxicating drink. Beer in this country is part of the culture, which they willingly share with the whole world.

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Czech beer is one of the world's standards of foamy drink, national pride and a real history with culture. For its production, the well-known Zatec hops and pure water from artesian wells are used.

Peculiarities

It is not known for certain what specific date can be considered the beginning of the preparation of intoxicating drinks in the Czech Republic. Some sources point to the end of the 5th century, when the tradition of brewing from Germany passed to the Czech Republic, others - to the year 993, since it is known that this drink was already made in one of the monasteries of the state. But all the data converge on one documented fact - the correspondence of King Vratislav II with the novices of the monastery, which describes the instruction to the monks to make beer from several bags of hops transferred to them. This event dates back to 1088.

Later, at the beginning of the 12th century, breweries began to appear in cities such as Brno, Ceske Budějovice, Pilsen. But only three centuries later, such local family brewing acquired an industrial character.

The fame of Czech beer has spread far beyond the borders of the country and today is its hallmark.

The Czechs carefully honor the canons of brewing that have developed over the centuries and are very strict and attentive to the observance of production technology. Use the purest water from artesian sources. The malt for the "correct" Czech beer is prepared separately in special facilities called malthouses. Depending on whether they want to get light beer or dark, they use raw or roasted malt. Hops are harvested during its flowering period in July-August. Only female flowers are used, since they contain a large number of aromatic compounds.

First, "green beer" is obtained, for which the wort is brewed for 10 hours in copper vats. This transitional product is poured into containers where they roam, gaining the desired strength from 3 weeks to six months, depending on the variety and type of foamy drink. Then the beer is filtered and it is ready to drink.

Varieties produced in the Czech Republic may differ both in density (8-14%) and in strength (3-9%). Dense beer is usually consumed in winter, light beer is in demand in the warm season.

As for the fortress, the most popular among Czechs are drinks that have 4.5-4.7 revolutions. This strength is usually found in traditional Czech beer.

Even the Czechs have their own approach to drinking beer. In their opinion, you really understand the taste of beer only on the 3rd mug, and therefore, they rarely limit themselves to one pair of glasses. It is also necessary to drain the mug in a certain way - in three sips: first, half is drunk in one gulp, and the remaining drink is drunk in another 2 “sips”.

Varieties of Czech beer

The variety of Czech beers can be classified as follows.

According to the type of malt used, it happens:

• light;
• dark;
• semi-dark (red);
• chopped (blend of different types of beer).

From barley malt, depending on the density, there are:

• table (less than 6%);
• vicepni (7-10%);
• sunbeds (11-12%);
• special varieties (above 13%);
• porters (more than 18%);

According to the type of fermentation, varieties of top and bottom fermentation are distinguished. Let's take a closer look at these varieties.

El

This is one of the varieties of the species, in the manufacture of which top yeast is used. It has a moderate or strong bitterness, a wide palette of shades, sometimes there may be a fruity aftertaste. Made in the Czech Republic at small breweries.

Wheat

Brewed with wheat malt. It is distinguished by medium strength, slightly pronounced bitterness, high content of carbon dioxide, tangible fruity notes in its aroma. More often it is light, both filtered and unfiltered.

Porter

A dark beer with a high gravity and alcohol content. Traditionally produced in the Pardubice brewery using barley. Along with high density, it also has a rich flavor palette.

Lager

Lager is a type of foamy drink obtained by bottom fermentation by subsequent fermentation at low temperatures. It should be noted that this is the most common type of beer in the world, also in the Czech Republic it accounts for the main share of foam production.

Pilsner

The most popular type of lager in the Czech Republic is Pils or Pilsner, which is named after the town of Pizen, where it originated. This is a light lager with a bright golden hue, rich aroma and well-defined bitterness.

Side

A sort of light or dark beer that has a bittersweet aftertaste. Its distinctive feature is the must content, reaching 18% or more.

Bavarian type beer

In its manufacture, Munich malt of different shades is used. It turns out a drink with thick foam, strong hop bitterness, rich malt flavor.

Czech beer brands

The TOP-5 includes the following brands of Czech beer, which are widely distributed in the world and can be found in Russia:

1. Pilsner Urquell- the world-famous representative of Pilsner, produced in his homeland under the name Plzensky Prazdroj at the brewery in the town of Pilsen. It was created by the Bavarian brewer Joseff Groll in 1842 using high quality ingredients by triple digestion.
2. Velkopopovicky Kozel- lager, which is made according to a traditional recipe in the village of the same name in the suburbs of Prague, where every year the "Day of the Goat" is celebrated. Presented in 4 varieties: light, dark, medium, light premium. Light has a pleasant golden color, bright taste of hops. The dark version is particularly popular, distinguished by the presence of a characteristic taste of chocolate and a fruity aftertaste.
3. Staropramen- the second largest brewing company in the country, located in the capital. The line has more than 10 drink options, each of which has its own characteristics. Light varieties have an expressive malt flavor on the palate. And the non-alcoholic version of this beer is considered the best in this category.
4. Budweiser Budvar is a bottom-fermented beer brewed in České Budějovice from selected Žatec hops, Moravian malt and deep artesian water. It has a characteristic smell, aroma, low carbohydrate content.
5. Krusovice- the foamy drink is brewed at the Royal Brewery, founded in 1583. Manufacturers are very careful about the ingredients. The company has a wide range of different types of beer. But perhaps the most popular is dark beer, delighting beer lovers with its caramel flavor.

Other brands of beer that deserve attention:

• Velvet from the Staropramen brand is known for its avalanche-effect bottling method. The foam quickly fills the glass, the liquid is poured over the foam, and then ends up at the bottom of the glass. Beer has a chestnut hue, tastes of chocolate and roasted barley.
• Benešov - Sedm kulí (sedum coolie) - is a semi-dark beer, to which herbs are added;
• Brno - Pegas - wheat lager, in the manufacture of which I use additives such as: eucalyptus, vanilla, fennel, honey, mint, ginger;
• Tmavý Porter Brno - Starobrno is a dark porter with a high body.
• Červený drak (Cherveny Drak) is brewed with the addition of herbal extract.
• Březnice (Brzheznice) - wheat beer made by top fermentation.
• Černá Hora - Kvasar (Kvasar) - contains in its composition a small amount of honey (no more than 0.6%).
• Hradec Králové - Rambousek (Rambousek) - Hradecké bílé (Hradecke Bile) - a wheat variety of a foamy drink;
• Humpolec - Sváteční ležák (Sváteční ležák) - champagne-type barley beer,
• Chýně (Hyne) - sunbed with the addition of corn;
• Litovel - Maestro - another beer with an avalanche effect;
• Náchod - Weizenbier - top-fermented wheat variety;
• Nová Paka - Valdštejn - a special beer with a strength of 7%;
• Hemp BrouCzech is an unusual beer infused with hemp extract.
• Nymburk - Bogan 12% - herbal variety;
• Pardubice - 19% abv porter
• Pivovarský dům - wheat, banana, coffee, nettle, cherry, chocolate, vanilla;
• U Fleků - Flekovské 13% - dark sunbed, belonging to the Bavarian type of foam;
• Rýmař (Rymarch) - semi-dark lounger with raspberry flavor
• Strakonice - Žen-Šen Nektar (Jen-Shen nectar) - a light beer containing Ginseng;
• Vrchlabí - light drink with cherry or honey flavor;
• Radler is a beer blend brewed by the Krušovice brewers. It is obtained by mixing beer with a low alcohol content (from 2 to 2.5%) and lemonade.

It is impossible to unequivocally call some kind of Czech beer the best and recommend it to everyone. Czech beer is an age-old tradition, the heritage of the nation, national pride and just a popular product. You want to study its varieties and species again and again.

What can you buy in Russia

In the Russian Federation, you can also buy bottled beer of Czech well-known brands, but the taste of such beer is lower and the reason for this is more rough pasteurization, which is required by Russian GOST to increase shelf life. There are also Czech factories that produce special beers specifically for Russia, for example, the little-known Samson brewery from Budejovice in the Czech Republic supplies the Prazhachka brand.

Live Czech beer in Russia is preparing to be brewed on the territory of the Crimea, where a large plant is being built. Czech businessmen decided to attract new consumers, while strengthening economic ties with our country. The attractiveness of the region, increased interest from tourists and a long beach season create favorable conditions for the construction of an industrial complex.

Favorite brands of Czech beer will be produced in the Crimean south, which will undoubtedly please both local residents and people from other regions who flock to the sea in summer.

The opening of the plant is planned for 2018. This will give not only a new impetus to strengthening ties with the Czech Republic, but also to the creation of new jobs, which is no less important for many parts of the Crimean peninsula. And lovers of a quality drink will get even more opportunities to taste the "fresh".

Beer for the Czech people is a kind of national treasure and pride. Czechs carefully honor their brewing traditions. Today, large brands from the Czech Republic have gained their popularity around the world and are produced in many countries. However, if you want to taste some of the exotic beers brewed in small local breweries, this country is well worth a visit.

Czech beer

Czech beer is a brand known all over the world. According to many connoisseurs, this is the best beer in the world. Many seek to get to the Czech Republic just to join this wonderful taste. On the shelves of Russian shops and in the menus of various bars and pubs, we can often find supposedly Czech beer. Each manufacturer strives to stick this label on their beer.

But not always what is poured into a bottle or a keg really has something in common with the Czech Republic, and if it does, it is still very far from the true Czech taste. What is exported and what is poured in Czech pubs from a barrel that has just been delivered from the factory are two different things.

Beer is an essential element of Czech culture. Just as Italy is known for its pizza, German Bavaria for its sausages, France for its wine, Ireland for its whiskey, so the Czech Republic for its beer. This is not just an advertised brand to scam tourists, but a unique and inimitable product. Therefore, to visit the Czech Republic and not try the local beer will mean that you just passed the Czech Republic by. The Czechs themselves love their beer and lead the ranking of countries in its consumption. So, on average, more than 400 bottles of 0.5 per person per year are drunk in the Czech Republic!

It is worth noting that in the Czech Republic it is customary to drink beer in special beer houses designated for this place. Bottled beer is rarely consumed, and there is practically no point in doing this to visitors. It tastes almost the same as a bottle of good and relatively expensive beer in Russia. Beer houses in the Czech Republic mean, in principle, any establishments where you can taste real Czech beer and eat it with some traditional Czech food. In the capital of the Czech Republic - Prague - whole beer tours are organized, during which the visitor visits as many Czech pubs as possible and tastes various beers. Before embarking on a beer tour, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the main brands of Czech beer.

Velkopopovicky Goat (Velkopopovický Kozel)

The most famous brand of Czech beer around the world and truly one of the tastiest beers. The real Czech Goat is produced in the village of Velké Popovice. In a number of countries, including Russia, this beer is also produced under license. But, alas, its taste is far from the original.

In our stores you can find a light and dark version of the Velkopopovitsky Goat. Moreover, in our country you can sometimes find two identical types of Goats at completely different prices. The first will cost around 70-80 rubles, like any average Russian beer. This is what is produced directly on the territory of the Russian Federation. The second one will cost three times more, about 200 rubles. This beer is sent from the Czech Republic for export. It certainly tastes better.

In the Czech Republic itself, there are 4 types of this beer:

• Svetly (4% vol)
• Medium (4.6% vol)
• Premium (4.8% vol)
• Cerny (3.7% vol).

A glass of beer Velkopopovitsky goat in a Czech pub will cost you an average of 40-60 CZK. In the store, a bottle of this beer can be purchased for 15-20 crowns. You can drink this beer in such beer houses in Prague as At the raven (U Havrana) , At the Goat (U Kozla) And Kozlovna (Kozlovna). In principle, most establishments in Prague offer this beer, but these establishments specialize in it, and it is here, according to the reviews of many visitors, that it is especially chic.

Pilsner Urquel (Pilsner)

Another world-famous brand of Czech beer. As with the Velkopopovicky Kozl, Pilsner is brewed in many other countries, but the original beer is brewed in the Czech city of Pilsen at the Prazdnoj brewery. The prefix urquel just speaks of the originality of this variety and beer with this name is sold only in the Czech Republic.

It is worth noting that one of the most expensive brands of Czech beer. In stores, it costs an order of magnitude higher than the rest - 25-30 kroons. In pubs - from 50 crowns.

You can try Pilsner Urquel in almost any Prague beer, it is quite difficult to single out something best among them. Let's call beer At the Charles Bridge (U Karlova mostu) And At the Angel (Andel) .

Staropramen

Czech Brewing Company, the second largest in the Czech Republic. The Staropramen plant is located in Prague, and not far from the center. Beer Staropramen has as many as 8 varieties, as they say, for every taste. You can taste almost all of these varieties in the restaurant Na verandach, located in the same building as the Staropramen plant. Here you can eat tasty and satisfying food.

Krusovice

Czech brewing company located in the Czech village of the same name and producing beer since 1517. In 2010, Krusovice was bought by Heineken and legally changed its name, but according to many beer lovers, it has not changed its traditions. As with all previous major Czech brands, beer is brewed under this name in many other countries. In Russian stores you can also find Krusovice beer, but, of course, this taste has nothing to do with the original one, which is served in some Prague beer houses. A great place to taste Krusovice - beer house At the seven cockroaches

Velvet (Velvet)

Rambousek (Rambousek)

Another brand of beer practically unknown outside the Czech Republic. Those who managed to taste this beer note its unique and inimitable taste. In Prague you can try it in a pub Zly Casy (Hard Times).

Beer tour in Prague

You can taste many varieties of Czech beer during a rather interesting gastronomic excursion:

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As many people know, the Czech Republic is famous for its local alcoholic drinks, and perhaps the most popular of them is beer. Whatever you say, they know how to brew this intoxicating drink here. Tourists rush to the capital for impressions, so I will tell you what kind of beer you can taste in Prague and where to do it.

As for the Czech Republic in general: I think you can easily find all or almost all of the listed beer brands in other cities of the country.

History and traditions

Beer in the Czech Republic was brewed by the Celts. Thus, this drink tightly entered the history of the country. In the 12th century, beer gained such popularity that almost every household was engaged in its preparation. What to hide, after visiting Prague, I myself was looking for recipes “for dummies”. Large workshops and factories appeared already in the XIV-XV centuries, and in 1842 a new type of beer was brewed in Pilsen - Pilsner, which became in some way a trendsetter for this drink.

Czech beer brands

There are about six dozen names of beer in the Czech Republic, so we will not list them all. In addition, small breweries in Prague and other cities brew the intoxicating drink and do not bottle it, which increases the number of brands, probably to several hundred.

Most likely, many have heard or seen the following names: Bernard, Budvar, Velkopopovitsky Kozel, Zlatopramen, Krusovice, Pilsner, Staropramen. If so, then know that all this is a Czech recipe, although the products of these companies are scattered in many countries of the world. But the taste of draft beer and bottled beer is very different, as preservatives are added to the latter for long-term storage. Therefore, try to be sure to try the drink in the first form. I will describe the most interesting brands of beer, as well as my recommendations, but below.

Types of beer in the Czech Republic

At first glance, it may seem that beer, no matter how you brew, will be similar. This is a very deep delusion. In the Czech Republic, beer is divided into 11 subgroups according to the mechanism of wort production, alcohol content and fermentation variant. In addition, the wort has such an indicator as density - a value measured in any liquid in comparison with water. In fact, this is the concentration of dry substances in the initial wort, which give the drink taste. This indicator is measured as a percentage. The higher the density, the richer and brighter the taste of the beer.

Consider the classification of this intoxicating drink in order to know what we are dealing with.

By groups, beer is as follows:

1. Světlá - light, made mainly from the malt of the same name.
2. Polotmava – semi-dark, made from dark, caramel malt blended with pale malt.
3. Tmavá is dark, made without mixing with other malts.
4. Ř ezaná is a beer obtained by mixing a light and dark ready-made drink.

By subgroups, the above is divided as follows:

• stolni - table beer, brewed mainly from barley malt, with an initial wort gravity of up to 6%;
• výčepní - similar to the previous one, but with a density of 7-10%;
• ležáky - the same barley malt, but the density is 11-12%;
• special – similarly, the density is greater than or equal to 13%;
• portery – dark beer with a density of 18% or more;
• se sníženým obsahem alkoholu - beer with a specially reduced alcohol content to 1.2% by volume or less;
• pšeničná - wheat, it is also white beer, the malt of the same name should be at least a third of the volume of the drink;
• kvasnicová – beer made by adding extra wort to the finished beer;
• nealkoholická - non-alcoholic, with a strength not exceeding 0.5 °;
• ochucená - flavored, with the taste of fruits, herbs, honey or alcoholic beverages;
• z jiných obilovin - a beer with a third or more grains other than barley or wheat.

In addition, there is a classification according to the method of fermentation: top and bottom. The first one includes:

• English varieties - ale, stout;
• German - wheat, altbir;
• Belgian, for example, trappist;
• porterie.

The beer produced by the second method is called lager. It includes the following subspecies:

• pils;
• marzen;
• Bavarian beer.

I do not think that such details will be of interest to the majority, so we will leave them for aesthetes. Those who wish can easily find a description on the Internet.

There is also a classification according to the place of production.

Beer restaurants in Prague

You can drink beer in Prague at almost every step: street kiosks, bars, restaurants - all of them are located in large numbers in tourist areas.

If you are not interested in local cuisine or surroundings, then there is no big difference where to taste this drink. I will tell you about some unusual institutions.

Pivovarsky dům

This restaurant is famous for unusual types of beer: nettle, champagne or banana, cherry, vanilla. I came here to try these drinks, let's say, to broaden my horizons. I would not say with confidence that these options are very tasty, rather, peculiar. But out of pure curiosity, I would advise all interested tourists to taste such beer.

Address: Lipova 15.

Opening hours: 11.00-23.30.

Klasterni Pivovar Strahov

This restaurant is located near Strogovsky Monastery. Yes, don't be surprised, quite a few monasteries have their own breweries. Depending on the season, you can taste different drinks here. The permanent menu includes amber and dark unfiltered beer, and for the holidays, Easter and Christmas, special varieties are brewed: semi-dark Christmas and unfiltered wheat beer. Here you can also taste unusual desserts: waffles made from beer dough, as well as ice cream on this intoxicating drink.

Address: Strahovské nádvoří 301, Praha 1.

Opening hours: 10.00-22.00.

Prvni Pivni Tramway

This is an old tram depot, stylized as a trailer of the same type of transport. It is very cozy and interesting here. Rare varieties of real Czech beer are served in this restaurant, for example, Conrad Výčepní, Baronka Premium, Permon Xmas Ale and others.

Address: Na Chodovci 1 .

Opening hours: 17.00-00.00.

Vytopna

In the city center, right on Wenceslas Square, next to the building of the National Museum, there is an interesting beer depot. This is a whole show: a train with trailers drives around the hall and delivers drinks to the tables.

That is, a waiter comes up to you to order, writes down what and in what quantity you need to bring to which table. And then glasses and bottles drive up along the ring road and stop near you. True, in the evening it can be difficult to get into this institution: all places can be occupied. Therefore, you need to either come during the day or book a table in advance. Be sure to visit this establishment! Many tourists take pictures and videos of unusual restaurant waiters-deliveries. Needless to say, the idea is very original.

Address: Palác Fénix, Václavské nám. 802/56, 110 00 Praha - Nové Město.

Opening hours: 11.00-01.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, 11.00-00.00 on other days.

The best brands of beer according to the author

Tastes and preferences, as the saying goes, are different for everyone. But if you do not know where to start, I dare to give my recommendations and short descriptions.

Bernard

This brand has about 12 types of beer. I especially liked JANTAROVÝ LEŽÁK (lager), ČERNÝ LEŽÁK (Black lager). Ležáky, aka lager, is, as I said, a type of bottom-fermented beer. It is characterized by the fact that the final ripening of the drink occurs during storage. In addition to tasty alcoholic beer, the company produces non-alcoholic semi-dark, light, as well as with plum and cherry flavors. I have not tried the fruit flavors of this particular manufacturer. But similar alcoholic versions of another brand seemed very tasty to me. In addition, some bottles have a reclosable stopper.

Budweiser Budvar

The factory has been producing beer since 1895, but it has been brewed in České Budějovice for about 750 years. There are both dark and light lagers. And for true connoisseurs, they produce Kroužkovaný ležák (ringed). This type of beer is brewed in the same way as the classic one: wort is made, hops and yeast are added to it, after which the fermentation process begins. Since Budweiser is a lager, all beer is sent to maturation in special rooms. But for the production of Kroužkovaný ležák, a peculiarity appears: when filling kegs (metal containers for transporting or storing beer), another portion of new yeast and hop extract are added. Because of this, the drink ripens directly in the container. And for lovers of stronger drinks, there is a special beer with a strength of 7.6 °.

Velkopopovický Kozel

It is the owner of the honorary sign "Czech beer" due to the preservation of traditions and production technologies. Do not be surprised, not all local breweries have received such an honor. This manufacturer produces a drink of three types: light, semi-dark, dark and premium. I heard from more than one person that this beer is the most delicious of those that are produced in Russia.

Krusovice

This is one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic, producing products from around the beginning of the 16th century. The company produces the following types of beer:

• Krušovická 10°;
• Krušovická 12°;
• Černe (black);
• Mušketýr (musketeer);
• Malvaz (semi-dark);
• Krušovice Imperial (imperial);
• Krušovice Jubilejní Ležák (anniversary lager);
• Krušovice Pšeničné (wheat).

I drove past the Kruszowice factories, located near the huge barley fields - it looks very impressive.

Master

This is a dark, sweet, very dense beer. As it was written on the Internet, it is sold in many places in Prague, but personally I had to try hard to find it. Until recently, the company was proud of the fact that beer is served only on tap, in special glasses with a volume of 0.4 liters. This fact made the drink more unique and prestigious. But I definitely saw bottles of Master in the customs-free zone of the airport. Although, perhaps, this exception is made specifically for those leaving.

Pilsner Urquell

This is a light, very popular beer. Under this trade name, many summer cafes and pubs are open in Prague. The beer of this brand is characterized by a pronounced hop taste, as well as fruit tones.

Staropramen

Thanks to a special type of yeast, the beer has an unusual aroma and fresh taste. In addition, after pouring into glasses, the drink holds a dense foam cap. This company produces quite a lot of types of drink:

How much is a beer in Prague

In the Czech Republic, beer sometimes costs even less than mineral water, which makes this country even more popular for tourists. In restaurants and bars, half a liter of draft beer will cost you 30-35 CZK. And in breweries with a locally produced drink, it is a little more expensive - 40-50 kroons.

In stores, prices usually vary more. I saw the cheapest beer for 8 crowns, even at the modern rate it's just a penny. The upper limit can reach even a hundred crowns, because imported varieties are also brought to the Czech Republic, as well as to other countries: London, Belgian, German and others.

Beer in Prague can be drunk not only in pubs and restaurants, but also at home, having bought it in advance in a store. The intoxicating drink is sold in glass bottles and aluminum cans. Interestingly, glass containers can be handed over. The price tag shows two prices: the beer itself and a deposit, that is, the cost of packaging.

In large supermarkets, for example, Kaufland, Albert, there are special conveyors for receiving bottles. You can bring an empty container there, put it on a tape, and the automatic system will determine whether such a form is accepted. As a result, you print out a check, and they can pay part of the bill in this supermarket. For example, they handed over bottles for 20 Czech crowns, and the amount of purchases came out for 200 crowns. By presenting a check, you pay only 280 kroons. It is not possible to convert the amount for returned bottles into cash. It is better to buy something right away, as several times I forgot to present a check at the checkout.

Excursions

Many breweries offer guided tours that include drink tastings.

There are various options for visiting: organized and not. The former arrange special excursion companies, whose representatives can be found in places where tourists gather: on the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Kampa Island and others. At the appointed time, you and other participants are picked up by a bus and taken straight to the factory, and after the event it is delivered back. The cost, of course, is not small, about a thousand Czech crowns, but for those who are interested it should be very interesting. The advantage of this type of excursion is that you can get a Russian-speaking guide.

You can find "cultural-beer" excursions. This happens when combining visits to attractions and breweries:

• castle Konopiste and Velke Popovice;
• and the Krusovice brewery;
• Křivoklát Castle and lunch at the Berounsky bear brewery and so on. There are quite a lot of similar combinations, I will not list them all.

In addition to searching for special excursion tents, you can use the following options:

• Many hotels organize tours that you can join without even staying there. If you already live in one of these, it is enough to arrange at the reception. You can also go to the nearest hotels or hotels in the city center and ask there. Having visited a dozen or less places, I think you will find a suitable option.
• The internet is where you can find literally everything.

Unorganized excursions are a more economical option. Breweries are usually located in or near cities, which are served by buses or trains. A transport ticket can be purchased for a hundred crowns. Further, single tourists are collected three times a day in groups according to languages: Czech, English, German. Such an excursion will cost 300-500 kroons, a more accurate price depends on the factory and the amount of beer being tasted.

How do people drink beer in the Czech Republic?

Of course, under amazing cold or hot dishes. But do not confuse, beer is not eaten in the Czech Republic, as it has already absorbed all the essentials. The taste of a hoppy drink should be enjoyed. That is, the food here is consumed on its own, and not in addition to beer.

In addition to the fact that this drink can be consumed in the traditional way, there are some original options. So, for example, some Czechs wash down the local Becherovka liqueur with light beers. In a similar way, you can use Fernet Stock, Slivovice and other strong alcohol. But for this, not large piles are used, but special small glasses with a capacity of 20 ml.

There are also options to add various alcohols directly to a beer mug. So "throwing" a stack of mint liqueur into a glass, you get a Magic Eye cocktail. But, as people who have tried it say, the consequences in the morning may not be the most pleasant.

Not so long ago, the Czechs had a tradition of mixing beer with juice. But still, I repeat that it is customary to enjoy the taste of an intoxicating drink, so such manipulations are still considered bad form in many bars.

Each city in the Czech Republic brews its own beer according to individual recipes. A brewer in the Czech Republic is the same respected profession as a doctor or a teacher. Because Czech beer is part of ancient traditions and culture. In general, practically a matter of national importance.

By the way, eating beer in the Czech Republic is not accepted. But drinking it at any time of the day is a common thing. You can easily meet a clerk who consumes a foamy drink during his break.

There are not so many varieties that are known not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad, only about fifteen. Each of them has a unique taste, manufacturing feature and aroma. In addition, in the Czech Republic there is a generally accepted quality assessment system.

beer density

A simple consumer does not always know what it is. Beer lovers can only determine gravity by taste or by reading the label. Density is the content of solids, the greater their percentage, the higher the alcohol content. The amount of nutrients also depends on the density.

Density can range from eight to fourteen percent. Now ten percent beer is very popular. It is believed that in winter it is better to drink a drink with a high density, and in summer, on the contrary, with a low one.

There are two main density classes:

1. "Ten" (scoop out). This means that the drink can contain up to 10% wort, as a result, after the fermentation cycle, the proportion of alcohol in beer ranges from 3.5 to 4.5%.
2. "Twelve" (bed). Wort content in beer up to 12%. After a fermentation cycle that lasts about three months, the number of revolutions in the drink reaches 5. This beer has a darker color and a richer taste.

In addition to the main classes, there are three more additional ones:

1. Table - density up to 6%.
2. Special - density above 13%.
3. Porters - 18% density.

In one beer restaurant Czech beer is served, the density of which is considered the highest in the world - 33%.

beer color

This is the second option. The transparency of the drink and its color are the main criteria by which the non-professional evaluates the quality of the drink. Almost all varieties of Czech beer have their own flavor. The color difference depends on the composition of the malt bulk. And even if only one color of malt is used in the manufacture of beer, it is impossible to get a drink of one shade. In addition to malt, water, the mashing process, and brewing with hops also affect color.

In general, the color is affected by the entire technological process. In general, the difference from the standard color is found in light beers.

There is an opinion that light Czech beer, as it is more tart, is more loved by men. And dark, which is sweeter - women. Of course, this is all very conditional. Everyone has their favorite beer and they are not divided by gender.

In general, the alcohol content of Czech beer ranges from 4.5 to 4.7 percent. Very strong, in which the alcohol content is more than 5 percent, is produced a little. There is also non-alcoholic and low alcohol content (more than three percent).

draft beer

The most common and favorite Czech beer is draft beer. Previously, it was bottled in wooden barrels with a volume of one hundred liters. Today they have been replaced by metal kegs with a volume of 30-50 liters. But despite the changes, the love for draft beer remained.

Czech draft beer is sold at every step - from restaurants to eateries. It is sold in half-liter glasses. But of course the most delicious and fresh drink is sold in pubs. You can also try Czech live beer there. Larger mugs are not very popular. In the Czech Republic, it is believed that half a liter is just drunk before the drink heats up and becomes tasteless. It should be noted that this opinion is correct.

Stamp "Pilsensky Prazdoy"

This brand got its name in honor of the city in which it is produced. Pilsen is the beer capital of Western Bohemia. The light variety "Prazdroi" began to be produced in the middle of the 19th century. Czech brewers wanted to create a brand that would surpass the well-known varieties of Bavaria. By applying the experience of eminent masters and new technologies for those times, we got a beer that exceeded all expectations.

But the popularity of the brand was influenced not only by excellent taste, but also by competent promotion. Beer began to be offered to visitors at neighboring resorts. Upon their return, vacationers began to actively advertise the "Idle" brand in their cities.

This brand was registered only in the middle of the twentieth century. She is also known by the names "Urquel" and "Gambrinus".

You can try Prazdroy beer in any part of Europe, but it is not certain that it will be made in the Czech city. According to the technology of Czech brewers, this brand is brewed in Germany and Belgium. You can distinguish real Czech beer brewed in Pilsen by its name: if the bottle says "Plzensky Feast" - it means it's real. And if the etiquette says “Plzner”, then the beer is brewed in another city, simply using the technology of the brewery.

"Budeevitzky Budvar"

Brewed in České Budějovice only from natural raw materials: water from artesian wells, head hops and Moravian malt. Czech bar beer is aged for a very long time - about three months. A very strong beer "Bud" - two hundred days! Manufacturing technology and a long fermentation process distinguishes "Budeevitzky Budvar" from other brands. In addition, another difference is the low content of carbohydrates, and therefore, the energy value of the drink is very small.

There is an opinion among brewers that it takes a certain amount of time to make good beer. And to prepare the best Czech beer - much more time is required. That is why the beer "Budeevitzky Budvar" is considered the best among the classic varieties of lager beer.

"Staropramen"

Light beer of very high quality. This beer is brewed according to the old traditions of Czech brewers. The first batch of "Staropramen" was released in 1869 and today occupies an honorable third place in popularity among Czech beer lovers.

Staropramen is a golden-colored drink with a mild taste. In Europe, this brand is recognized by the special aroma that is given by yeast grown specifically for this variety.

Also, the brand has repeatedly won prizes at brewing competitions not only in the Czech Republic, but also in other countries.

By the way, this beer is brewed not only in the Czech Republic, but also in other countries - under license. In Russia, they began to manufacture it since 2003.

"Velkopopovitsky Goat"

The brand has been known since the beginning of the 18th century. It began to be brewed by monks who opened their own brewery. A distinctive feature of this beer is the citrus smell. Every year in the Czech Republic, the Day of the Goat is celebrated, and every beer lover considers himself obliged to get drunk to the state of the animal depicted on the label.

This beer is considered the most popular Czech brand abroad. In addition to production in the Czech Republic, in the city of Velké Popovické, "Velkopopovicky Goat" is brewed under license in Russia, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.

As a rule, it is bottled in half-liter glass bottles or aluminum cans and comes in two varieties: light and dark. The light variety has a golden color and an alcohol content of 4-4.6 rpm. The dark variety is made from special malt, has a pleasant smell and caramel taste. But it contains little alcohol - only 3.8%.

In 2015, the company released the so-called "cutter" - when dark and light beer are poured into one container, but the varieties are not mixed. This effect is achieved due to the different density of drinks. However, the brewery has its own secrets of preparation.

The peculiarity of such a "cut" beer is primarily in its unusual taste, it allows you to feel all the shades of taste and the difference in textures.

"Krusovice"

"Krusovice" was brewed at the Royal Brewery, which was founded in 1583, in the city of the same name. At the very beginning, beer was brewed only for Krušovice, but later, with the growth of popularity, it began to be supplied to other cities in the Czech Republic, and then abroad.

Czech beer brand "Krushovice" is represented by two varieties:

1. Light beer Krusovice Imperial. Slightly golden in color, has a taste with an admixture of bitterness and a pleasant sharpness. It is brewed according to classic recipes and contains approximately 5% alcohol.
2. Dark beer Krusovice Cerne. The caramel flavor and light hop aroma in this drink comes from traditional brewing methods. The amount of alcohol in the drink is 3.8%.

"Velvet" and "Celt"

Both drinks are brewed at the Staropramen Brewery. A distinctive feature of beer "Velvet" - golden brown color, rich taste with a slight bitterness and thick foam. The strength of the drink is 5.3%. "Celt" - Czech dark beer with the smell of barley, thick foam and coffee flavor. The alcohol content in "Celta" is 4.8%.

Both types of beer are poured into glasses with a volume of 400 milliliters. First, the whole glass is filled with foam, after it beer, but if you wait until the foam settles, you can see that the glass is full and no liquid needs to be added. Because of this, people who try this beer are at first perplexed, because instead of the usual drink they are served something similar to an oxygen cocktail. But after a while everything comes in order, the foam settles and Czech beer appears in the glass.

Such an effect is observed not only due to the special brewing technology, but also largely due to the special bottling technique that the Irish invented, and the savvy Czechs quickly bought it out.

The essence of the bottling method is that a capsule with a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide is installed at the bottom of the keg (barrel) with a drink.

Beer "Radegast"

The beer is named after the Slavic god of war and glory - Radegast. It appeared relatively recently - in 1970, but despite its short history it is very popular. This is a classic Czech bar beer with a balanced taste.

Czech beer brand "Radegast" is produced in three varieties:

1. "Radegast" dark. Bottom fermented beer. It has a roasted malt flavor with a hint of sweetness. Alcohol content 3.6%.
2. "Radegast Premium". Light beer. Beer with light fruity notes on the palate. Number of turns 5.1.
3. "Radegast Triumph". Weak beer of a light variety - the amount of alcohol is 3.9%. The price is the most affordable of the varieties, but the taste is not so pronounced.

Experimental beers

It would seem that brewing has existed for a very long time, and all technologies have been studied up and down. But Czech brewers never get tired of experimenting. Recently, a batch of non-alcoholic beer based on a cactus that grows in Mexico was brewed in the Czech Republic. According to the assurances of the brewers, such a drink can be drunk by athletes and diabetics.

The alcoholic version of the drink is exported to Mexico. Export options to Russia, Germany, England and Ukraine are being considered.

There are beers that are literally made of gold. The technology of its preparation is quite simple: a thin plate measuring 8x8 centimeters is lowered into an empty container for beer. Then the beer is poured. The jet breaks the gold plate into many small pieces. If you shake the bottle well, you can see them. Alas, the price of such a drink remained unknown, the beer was sold by individual orders.

There are varieties that are popular mainly with ladies. This is a beer with fruit flavors: cherry, banana, blueberry. In addition to them, there is also coffee beer with a mild caramel flavor and coffee note.

Beer champagne is popular among non-beer drinkers. It is made using champagne yeast. After maturation, this drink pleasantly surprises with the harmony of taste.