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Czech beer facts

The Hungarian Girl | February 4, 2012 | 0 Comments

Founded in 1869, Staropramen is one of the most famous brands of beers in the Czech Republic.

There is no doubt about it: Czechs love beer. Whether it’s the mineral-rich local springs, Bohemian hops, or simply that the world’s first pilsner-style lager was invented here, beer is undeniably central to Czech culture. To help you prepare for a great beer drinking experience in the Czech Republic, here are a few interesting facts about Czech beer.

• Czechs consume more beer than any other country in the world – more than 150 liters, or 320 pints, annually per person. That puts them ahead of Germany and even Belgium.

• Official town records indicate that the first Czech brewery was established in Cerhenice and was opened in 1118 AD.

• The world’s first pilsner-style pale lager was produced in the city of Pilzen in 1842. Today, beer-lovers from all over the world come to Plzen, which has become something of a brewing Mecca.

• Budweiser Bürgerbräu, or Budweiser Bier, was the original Bud, founded in the city of Budweis in 1785. In 1876, the U.S. company Anheuser-Busch borrowed the name for its now famous Budweiser.

• Famous Czech beer brands include Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus, Velkopopovicky kozel, Radegast, Budvar, and Staropramen. In addition, there are several local and regional brews.

• A Pivnice is a Czech beer hall named after pivo, meaning “beer.”

• The numbers attached to beers in the Czech Republic refer not to alcohol content but to a “degree” figure, which is used by brewers to track the density of certain ingredients. A higher degree figure generally means a fuller flavor and results in a stronger brew.

• Beer in the Czech Republic is generally cheaper than bottled water or soft drinks.

• Since the mid-1990′s many restaurants and pubs have been serving unpasteurized beer, called tankové pivo. The beer is kept in pressurized tanks that steady the temperature. The result yields more complex flavors that are full of hops and spices.

• In Prague, the Prvni Pivni Tramway, or “First Beer Tram”, at the end of the No. 11 line is a tram themed pub.

• The world’s first “beer health center” was started in the town of Chodova Plana. The center offers soothing hot baths containing mineral water and beer. This curative therapy claims to have rejuvenating effects.

• The Czech Beer Festival in Prague is the biggest beer festival in the Czech Republic which is held for 17 days every year in May.

• Na zdraví means “to your health” in Czech.