Czech beer (pivo) enjoys an international reputation for excellence, having produced it for over a thousand years and boasting the highest beer consumption per capita in the world (143 litres per capita) – followed by Namibia and Austria at 108 and 106 litres per capita respectively. Beer enjoys a key role in Czech society, with most villages having a brewery (pivovar) and a good many of the pubs and restaurants in the Czech capital of Prague having an on-site brewery for freshly brewed beers.
Types of Czech Beer
The world of Czech beers can be a bit daunting at first and uses a beer degree scale for strength (see more here). The Czech Republic is most known for its pilsner lagers, named for the town Plzeň not too far from Prague where this hoppy blond style of lager (ležák) originated. The first example of this is Pilsner Urquell, which is commonly found throughout the country and sometimes abroad, being representative of the style. Another typical style of Czech beer is dark (černý) beer – this is darker, with sweeter sometimes coffee tasting notes, and is a personal favourite. A great dark beer to try is U Fleků’s signature brand in Prague. Failing that, Velkopopovický Kozel produces a fantastic dark beer (not to mention their pale lagers) and Krušovice’s dark beer is especially smooth. Also keep an eye out for wheat beers (pšeničné) and unfiltered (nefiltr) beers.
Places to Drink Beer in Prague
While local supermarkets in Prague sell a pretty good selection of Czech beers, you may want to try outside of the big brands of Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar (not to be confused with the American beer inspired by the Budweis style), Staropramen and Kozel. That being said, these are all very good beers and even if you’re wary of big beer brands, the big Czech names still have a lot to offer. U Fleků is good fun and has been brewing and selling beer since the 15th century, with the place filled with history. Their speciality dark beer is particularly smooth. Pivovar Narodni is another pub that offers good fresh beer, under the name Czech Lion, although it can feel a little touristy. U Medvídků is another centuries-old brewery, specialising in a super-strong variety. This list provides a few more good craft brewery suggestions.
Further Types
Czech beer culture goes beyond just the beers themselves. Further notes include how you want it poured. Consider asking for a mlíko pour, which is mostly foam and smooth and creamy, or if you wanted more beer, asking for a šnyt – a happy medium. This was designed for those who wanted to drink less actual beer to still feel like they were getting a proper drink. Also consider trying a traditional Czech bar snack with your beer, like Prague whitebait or pickled hermelín white mould cheese (this is particularly good). Na zdraví (cheers)!
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