Beer lovers will very much enjoy a trip to this beer capital of the world. Known to be the heaviest beer drinkers in the world, the Czechs have perfected the art of brewing beer and you can reap the benefits.
If you have ever heard the term “Pilsner” was coined to refer to beer brewed in Plzen and “Budweiser” was beer brewed in Budejovice. The political situation in the Czech Republic forced changes on the industry that is still in place today but you can still capture the process of old on brewery tours today. Try to see as many of the old breweries that you can so you can get the full story of the beer business and the country in general.
There are currently eighty-nine breweries in operation today of which thirty-two are independently owned and there are twenty-eight micro breweries. Throughout the world the influence of Czech Republic beer is obvious from the name Budweiser and on.
The traditional meal served with Czech beer is roast pork, cabbage and dumplings. There’s a light-colored brew called svetle, a dark variety called tmave and a black beer called cerne. Most Czechs drink their beer in pubs and it is mostly offered in bottle or draught. The people of the Czech Republic will tell you that drinking beer every day is good for your health as they believe that beer reduces the aluminum in your body. This is believed to reduce signs of aging and the effects of Alzheimers disease. The best temperature to drink Czech Republic beer is between seven and 10 degrees. It is recommended that you should hold bottled beer up to the light to ensure it is clear. You can have a lot of fun touring all the breweries and not to mention the tastings. This is an excellent way to try as many types of Czech Republic beer. If you visit a pub, you will likely be served your beer in a half liter mug and if you want to understand the beer trade ask some locals. There is no better education than the discussion you can have with Czech citizens who know and love their beer history.
The long history of Czech Republic beer has been affected by all the political happenings in the country. Many long for the days when the beer was brewed by individual owners and not mass owned breweries. If you get the opportunity to visit this incredible country, take the time to understand the history of beer as it will reveal the history of this country to you. If you cannot visit the country just remember when you drink your next beer that it has been shaped and influenced by centuries of Czech Republic beer making.