Did you know that the Czechs consume more beer per capita than anywhere else in the world? Thanks to the country’s strong beer culture, visiting the Czech Republic can be a fantasy tour of local breweries and rustic pubs for brew aficionados. While you’re visiting the country, be sure to look beyond the Pilsner (which is originally Czech) and try some of the older and newer styles of lager in the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
1. Staropramen
Cheap and cheerful Staropramen has a unique flavour that is instantly recognisable. This high-quality brew has a volume a little above 4% and is a favourite of local students.
2. Budweiser – Budvar
Outstandingly drinkable and a favoured partner for just about any meal, Budweiser can be ordered by the name Budvar in most bars. With a brewing history that dates back to before 993 AD, the original Budweiser Budvar is from the Czech Republic and is an entirely different beast than the one that’s known in the USA.
3. Lobkowicz
Despite its common availability, Lobkowicz maintains its high quality all over the country. This beverage is always a safe bet and is usually available in every pub.
4. Kozel
Kozel comes in both a pale and dark version, but both are equally popular. This top-notch beer is available in most supermarkets, but is regarded by many as the world’s finest brew. Just look out for the iconic goat on the label.
5. Pilsner Urquell
Thanks to its strong hoppy flavour, Pilsner Urquell is probably the best-known lager from the Czech Republic. This brew is the ‘original’ Pilsner-type beverage that was created by Josef Groll in 1842. It was an instant success in the region, and eventually found its way to the rest of Europe by 1874.
6. Černá Hora
Despite being one of the Czech Republic’s oldest brews, Černá Horais not widely known. Its name translates to ‘Black Mountain’, and it’s made in the South Moravia region. If you can find this hidden gem, be sure to try it!
The Czech Republic has a long and illustrious history of beer making. The beverage is deeply ingrained in the people’s everyday lives and its wide availability makes it easy to sample the best just about anywhere you go. So, go ahead and enjoy the flavourful brews on offer while taking in the sights and scenes of Prague and beyond!
Top Tip: Brewery tours are a really excellent way of seeing the tradition in action, and you can even spend the night in seventeenth-century breweries in Plzen or Stříbro, which have been converted into hotels.
