The Best Czech Beers and Where to Find Them

The Czech Republic boasts a deeply entrenched beer culture, often considered the heartland of beer brewing in Europe. Home to the original Pilsner, this country offers a plethora of distinctive beers, from classic lagers to innovative craft brews. Whether you are a casual beer drinker or a connoisseur, exploring Czech beers is an experience in itself. Here’s your guide to the best Czech beers and where to find them.

Pilsner Urquell: The Original Pilsner

No beer is more synonymous with the Czech Republic than Pilsner Urquell from Plzeň. Brewed since 1842, this beer set the standard for all subsequent lagers worldwide, with its clear, golden color and refreshing, crisp taste characterized by a balanced hoppy bitterness.

Where to Try: Visit the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň for a fresh taste straight from the source. The brewery offers tours that include tastings of unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner fresh from the barrel.

Budweiser Budvar: The Original Budweiser

Often confused with its American namesake, Budweiser Budvar originates from the city of České Budějovice (Budweis in German), brewed using artesian water, local Saaz hops, and Moravian malt. This lager is known for its deeper malt taste and a slightly higher hop aroma.

Where to Try: The Budweiser Budvar Brewery also offers tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to compare freshly brewed Budvar with its international versions.

Kozel: The Friendly Goat

Velkopopovický Kozel, often simply called Kozel, features a mascot of a friendly goat and is beloved both locally and internationally. Kozel’s portfolio includes both light and dark varieties, with the dark version known for its smooth, caramel-sweet profile making it an excellent introduction to dark beers.

Where to Try: Kozel is widely available throughout Czech pubs, but for the freshest taste, visit the Velkopopovický brewery just outside of Prague.

Staropramen: The Spirit of Prague

Brewed in the heart of Prague, Staropramen is the second-largest brewery in the Czech Republic. Its lager is well-balanced with a slightly pronounced hop flavor, making it representative of the classic Czech brewing style.

Where to Try: Experience Staropramen fresh at the visitor center in Prague, where they also offer a brewery tour that includes a historical journey through Prague’s brewing history.

Craft Beer Scene in Prague

In recent years, the Czech Republic has seen a surge in craft brewing, with Prague at the center of this revolution. Breweries like Vinohradský Pivovar and Pivovar Matuška are at the forefront, crafting innovative ales that push traditional boundaries.

Where to Try: Head to Prague’s many craft beer bars, such as BeerGeek Bar in Vinohrady, which frequently features a rotating selection of Czech and international craft beers.

Beer Festivals

To truly immerse yourself in the Czech beer culture, plan your visit around a beer festival. The Czech Beer Festival in Prague is the largest in the country, taking place over 17 days every May, offering beers from dozens of breweries, along with local food and entertainment.

Tips for Beer Tasting in the Czech Republic

• Beer Temperature: Unlike in many countries, Czech beer is often served cooler but not ice-cold, allowing you to fully appreciate its flavors and aromas.
• Beer Etiquette: When clinking glasses in the Czech Republic, look your drinking companion in the eye and say “Na zdraví!” (To health!).
• Exploring Beyond Beer: While indulging in beers, don’t forget to try some traditional Czech pub foods like goulash, svíčková, or the classic beer snack, pickled sausages.

Exploring the world of Czech beer gives you not just a taste of its exceptional brews but also insights into the traditions that have shaped Czech culture for centuries. Whether you’re touring historic breweries or sampling the latest craft ales, the Czech Republic’s beer scene promises a rich and rewarding experience for every palate.