The golden beer known as the "pilsner" was first brewed in the Czech Republic during the mid-19th century. Today, the beer is still made according to the original recipe.

There’s no doubt that the Czechs are truly passionate and proud of their beer heritage. In fact, the country leads the world in per capita beer consumption. Beer is served almost everywhere in the country especially in Prague, where there are a countless numbers of pubs and restaurants. So, if you’re wondering what beers to try in the Czech Republic, here’s a list of some of their best beers.

Pilsner Urquell

Pilsner Urquell is the original lager that all others are based upon. This quality beer owes its crisp, hoppy flavor  with a touch of bitterness and smooth finish, to the famous Saatz hops and soft water drawn from 1,000 feet deep artesian wells under the brewery.

Budvar

Budejovicky Budvaris a light lager with 5% volume alcohol content, best known as Budejovicky Budvar in the Czech Republic, Budweiser Budvar in the European Union, Czechvar in the United States and Canada, in the rest of the world either Budweiser Budvar or Budejovický Budvar. The beer matures in cellars for 90 days which gives it a pure, rounded and rich flavor. It has no relation to the American Budweiser.

Staropramen

Brewed in the Smichov district, Staropramen is both a local and international favorite. The beer is made with a special blend of Bohemian barley and Žatec hops. It is distinguished by its crisp and light, fruity flavor. Staropramen is owned by global giant InBev.

Krušovice

The Královský Pivovar Krušovice (the Royal Brewery of Krušovice) is one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. It was originally founded in 1517 by Jií Birka in the village of Krušovice. The brewery gained a contract to provide beer to Emperor Rudolf II in 1581, allowing them to use the Imperial Crown of Austria as part of the company’s logo. One of it’s most famous brands is Krušovice Cerne, a dark lager with a sweet caramel taste and a light hop flavor.

Gambrinus

Gambrinus is one of the most popular beers in the Czech Republic. It was named after the legendary king of Flanders that was known for his mythical brewing abilities. This premium quality beer comes from the same brewery as Pilsner Urquell.

Rebel

Czech Rebel, founded in 1834, is a well-balanced, golden pilsner produced from a small brewery that dates back to 1673 in Luxembourg. The brewery is named after the town of Havlickuv Brod which in turn is named after a famous local Czech writer Karel Havlicek Borovsky (1821-1856), who was fighting against the powerful Habsburg monarchy by writing “revolutionary and rebellious” articles. Hence, the name “Rebel”.

Primator

Primator comes from the brewery town of Nachod where they’ve been perfecting their brewing technique for centuries. It draws its water from the Adršpach-Teplice protected landscape region. In 2006, the brewery launched a reconstruction of their cellar technology including an excess pressure transfer chamber and newly installed yeast farmstead, a promotional station and a classic beer-storage cellar. It is one of the most technically advanced breweries in the country. Primator has a strong, balanced flavour, sparkling gold colour and long-lasting head.

Radegast

Named after the mythical old Slavonic pagan god of fire, sun, harvest and hospitality called Radegast, this brewery has been around since the 1970′s. Stemming from the name for the beer is the slogan: “Život je horký: Bohudík”, a Czech phrase which translates into English as “Life is bitter: Thank God” (in reference to the beer’s “bitter” taste). The brewery is now owned by South African Breweries Ltd (SAB).

Holba

The Holba brewery is based in the picturesque Hanušovice region within the Jeseníky mountains foothills. Currently, the independent brewery is one of the ten largest in the country. It specializes in the production of light beers.

Bernard

On October 26, 1991 Stanislav Bernard, Josef Vávra and Rudolf Šmejkal launched the revival of a Humpolec brewery constructed in the 16th century. Today, the brand is well-known throughout the Czech Republic. It produces traditional unpasteurized light and dark lagers.

Related posts:

1. Czech beer facts
2. German Beer Guide
3. Travelers’ Tales Prague and the Czech Republic