Real Czech beer

Beer in the Czech Republic is not just a drink, it is part of the national identity, the pride of the country and an indispensable part of cultural life. A tourist who does not try local beer in the Czech Republic misses at least half of the atmosphere of this region. Here beer is drunk not for the sake of alcohol, but for the sake of taste, tradition and ritual. In pubs, conversations are held, deals are made, and events are celebrated - all to the tune of half-liter mugs. But what exactly makes Czech beer so special? Why does it taste different from many other European beers and why is it so appreciated all over the world?

Czechs have been brewing beer for over a thousand years. The first mention of brewing dates back to the 10th century, when monks in monasteries began experimenting with barley, hops and spring water. In the XIII-XIV centuries brewing became the business of the cities: Prague, Plzeň, Ceske Budejovice - each center had its own brewery.

From that time until today brewing in the Czech Republic has remained a craft and a passion. The symbol of Czech brewing is Pilsner, which is the originator of the whole class of lagers. It was introduced in 1842 at the Pilsner Urquell brewery and is still considered the model of light lager all over the world.

There are three key elements that make Czech beer truly unique:

1. The water is soft, perfect for lagers.
2. Czech hops (Zatecky) - has a mild bitterness and subtle flavor.
3. The decoction method is a special way of mashing malt that gives a rich flavor and dense body to the beverage.

Add to that centuries-old recipes, no rush in the fermentation process (lager is aged for a long time, at least 30 days) and careful attention to quality - and you get that very Czech mug in which beer foams just above the edge and the taste remains in the memory for a long time.

The Czech Republic is the world's leader in beer consumption per capita. And it is not surprising: in any village you will find at least one hospoda - a local beer bar, where neighbors gather in the evening to discuss the day and drink a "sevenka" (0.5 liters of beer).

The classic serving is in half-liter mugs, but often there is also "small beer" - 0.3 liters. In a good beer hall, the mug is filled to the top, and thick, finely bubbling foam is a must. In the Czech Republic they say that "beer without foam is like food without salt".

It is important: Czechs drink moderately, enjoying the flavor. In good company, 3-4 beers a night are the rule rather than the exception, especially if they are accompanied by svíčková, boar's knee or duck with dumplings.

Every summer the Czech Republic hosts dozens of beer festivals. The most famous is the Pilsner Fest in Pilsen, which commemorates the birthday of the first Pilsner lager. Thousands of people gather to taste different varieties, listen to music and take part in competitions. There are also craft beer festivals in Prague, Brno and Olomouc, where you can find everything from sour ales to hand-brewed smoked stouts.

In beer villages such as Velke Popovice, open days are held at breweries, where you will be shown the brewing process, given a taste of beer straight from the tanks and told why Czech brewers value their recipes so much. Real Czech beer is not just a drink. It is a cultural code, a language of communication, a reason to meet, relax, discuss the news or just spend an evening. And every sip is a reflection of the country: patient, friendly, a little old-fashioned, but always sincere.

So if you come to the Czech Republic, don't limit yourself to the first brand you come across. Listen to the recommendations of the locals, visit a beer shop away from the tourist routes and be sure to order tankové pivo - live, fresh, with history in its flavor. And, of course, don't forget to say "Na zdraví!" before your first sip.