Czech beer is something of an institution, but it's not as well known as it should be in the UK. Many beer drinkers will have heard of, seen or drunk(!) some of the Pilsner Urquell, Budvar or Staropramen beers widely available, but there are many lesser known, smaller breweries that also uphold the country's proud brewing heritage with a wide selection of high quality offerings.
Although monks were brewing beer in Bohemia in the early middle ages, it was in 1842 that the traditional Bohemian Pilsner we know today was born.
As the quality of beer brewed by individual burghers in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen) varied so much, they decided to establish a single brewery, Pilsen Burgher, known later as Pilsner Urquell, to make better beer! Bavarian master brewer Josef Groll's iconic style had a malty, biscuity, toasty character with some diacetyl (Diacetyl is a chemical compound, formed naturally during the brewing process with a buttery caramel or butterscotch flavour and is generally considered an off-flavour, but low levels are traditional and allowed in certain styles like Czech pilsners) adding a little sweetness and a soft, rounded, butterscotch-like mouthfeel. Saaz hops provided mild, earthy and spicy notes with very low bitterness.
Note that Saaz is the historical German name for the Czech town of Žatec. The German name became widely recognised during the 19th century, when the Czech region of Bohemia formed part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The surrounding agricultural landscape of Žatec is so integral to brewing heritage that it is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pilsen lager's popularity spread throughout Bohemia and the surrounding countries, so the style was soon copied. As a result, in 1859, Pilsen Burgher registered 'Pilsner Bier' as a trademark, although this is also used by other beers from the area.
You can read more about the history of Czech beer on The Czech Beer Alliance website.
One Czech brewery which recently launched in the UK at this year's London Craft Beer Festival is Podkováň.
Founded by monks in Kováň, central Bohemia, the brewery has been producing beer since 1434 and continues to use many of the original brewing methods, while integrating state-of-the-art technology.
👀 Appearance: Golden with a lively, frothy white head.
👃 Nose: Aromatic with notes of .
😋 Palate: Notes of .
👀 Appearance: Golden with a lively, frothy white head.
👃 Nose: Aromatic with notes of .
😋 Palate: Notes of .
Podkovan beers are available in 440ml cans and, for the on-trade, in 30L or 50L steel kegs. The company also provides branded merchandise, including premium glassware, and can supply and install draught dispense equipment with ongoing maintenance.
