Beer is regarded by the Czechs themselves as their national drink – whether dark, light, mixed, wheat… There are over 470 different types of beer in the Czech lands. In all Czech restaurants, beer gardens and clubs quality beer is an essential part of the experience. The very best types are the world-renowned light and dark lagers. The atmosphere of a typical Czech pub and the sense of a relaxed conversation among friends are essential for the beer consumption ‘ceremony’.
The best-known brands of Czech beer
Pilsner Urquell (www.pilsner-urquell.cz) and Budějovický Budvar (known elsewhere as Budweiser) (www.budvar.cz) – there are many imitations, but only the beer brewed in Pilsen and České Budějovice are the real deals with their unique and exceptional tastes.
Other popular Czech brands are Gambrinus (www.gambrinus.cz), Staropramen (www.staropramen.cz), Krušovice (www.krusovice.net), Radegast (www.radegast.cz), Bernard (www.bernard.cz), Velkopopovický kozel (www.kozel.cz) and many others.
In addition to the large breweries, the Czech Republic also has many small micro-breweries, often with stylish beer-cellars attached, such as Eggenberg (www.eggenberg.cz) in Český Krumlov.
The culture of beer-drinking in the Czech Republic
Before making your way to a traditional Czech pub, read the following tips carefully:
- The one brand of beer served in a restaurant can be seen on the sign hanging outside. Do not expect to find any other brands served.
- Beer is served in half-litre glasses; for a smaller glass (0.33 l) it is necessary to ask specifically (say “malé pivo”).
- The world’s best beer is also the cheapest! For a half litre the usual cost is from 17 to 30 CZK (0.70–1.05 euros)
- If you simply order a beer, you will get light (ten-degree) beer; if you want the stronger variety (usually twelve-degree) you have to ask specifically.
- The moment when you place an empty glass on the table is often a sign for the waiter to bring another!
- On the tally-sheet that the waiter leaves on the table, a single line is made for each beer ordered – so that all the beers drunk fit on the narrow sheet!
- The majority of waiters believe that there is always room for one more beer
Points of interest
Brewery tours
Many breweries organise brewery tours along with a tasting session.
Beer festivals
In the summer, both large and small breweries hold special beer festivals. In addition to the requisite tasting sessions, there are concerts and various competitions.
Special types of beer
Alongside the most common light lagers, the Czech range of beers also includes coffee or cherry-flavoured beers; one rare feature is vanilla beer for Advent.
Beer souvenirs
If you wish to take something home as a momento, try collecting Czech beer mats (the cardboard coasters where the freshly drawn mugs are placed). Each brewery makes beer mats with an original design.
