Czech Republic: The Birthplace of Pilsner and a Brewer's Paradise

Czechia is a big deal in the beer world, and for good reason. This small country in Central Europe gave birth to Pilsner, a pale lager that has gone on to become the most popular style of beer globally. In fact, 75% of all beer made worldwide is a Pilsner-style lager, and it all started in the town of Plzeň in 1842. Not only that, but the Czechs hold the prestigious title of highest beer consumption per capita—yes, they drink more beer per person than any other country in the world!

I was lucky enough to travel through nearly half of this beer-loving nation, visiting breweries, hop-processing plants, and even malting facilities. From every angle, Czech beer is a product of its superior local ingredients—water, yeast, malt, and hops. And while Pilsner are produced worldwide today, the quality of each component plays a massive role in producing a great Pilsner rather than a medocre one.

The Four Pillars of Beer: Water, Yeast, Malt, and Hops

Water: The Soft Secret

One of the key ingredients that elevates Czech beer is its water. The country is well known for its natural springs, and many breweries have access to soft water, which plays a significant role in the purity and overall quality of their beers. Soft water means fewer dissolved minerals, allowing the delicate flavours of the beer to shine through. The result? Crisp, clean, and refreshing beer that’s hard to beat.

Malt: The Backbone of Beer

Czech barley is legendary in brewing circles. Many breweries in Czechia exclusively use locally grown barley, giving their beers a distinct character. The barley is malted—essentially soaked, sprouted, and roasted—before being used to create the beer’s fermentable sugars. This process directly influences the body and aroma of the beer. In Pilsners, the malt provides a light, bready backbone, but without the heavy biscuit or toasty notes that dominate maltier beers.

Hops: The Herbal Hero

Hops are a vital component of any beer, providing bitterness, aroma, and acting as a natural preservative. Czechia is famous for its Saaz hops, a variety known for its subtle herbal notes and mild bitterness, which lend Czech Pilsners their unique flavour. Interestingly, Czechia is the third-largest producer of hops in the world, and their easy access to these top-quality hops is evident in the crisp, hop-forward character of their beers.

Yeast: The Pilsner Revolution

Before the invention of Pilsner, which is a lager, all beers were ales. The difference? Ale yeasts are active at the top of the brew and allow multiple yeast strains to co-exist, which creates a wide variety of flavours. Lager, however, uses a single strain of yeast that ferments at the bottom of the vessel. This produces a cleaner, more consistent flavour, which is why Pilsners are so defined in their style. The cool fermentation process also preserves the beer’s delicate freshness—something you’ll notice right away in Czech lagers.

Czech Beer Styles and Drinking Traditions

One of the coolest things about Czech beer culture is its tradition and variety. Here are a few terms to help you navigate the different styles when you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a Czech pub:

– Lehké: A light beer, typically lower in alcohol and perfect for a refreshing drink.

– Výčepní: The most common beer found on tap in Czech pubs, usually a lower-strength lager.

– Ležák: A standard-strength pale lager, closer to the Pilsners most of us are familiar with.

– Speciál: A stronger, special beer, often reserved for celebrations or special occasions.

Another fun fact is how you can order your draft beer based on the foam level! In Czechia, foam is not just for aesthetics—it actually enhances the beer’s aroma. Drinking through a thick layer of foam releases the beer’s best flavours and aromas. So, next time you’re in Prague, don’t be shy about asking for extra foam!

• Čochtan – Neat, or British style, with no foam. The Czech’s don’t recommend drinking lager this way, as it enhances the beer’s bitterness.
• Hladinka – Level, with a creamy big head; 20-25% foam
• Šnyt – Split, half foam/half beer
• Mlíko – Milk, wet, almost entirely foam

A Taste of History: Iconic Breweries You Must Visit

No trip to Czechia would be complete without visiting some of the country’s historic breweries. Take, for example, U Fleků in Prague, which has been brewing dark lager continuously since 1499. Despite its age, the beer is still light and thirst-quenching, with delicious coffee and roasted notes from the malt.

Another standout is Bakalar Brewery, which has been operating for 570 years! Their master brewer was actually born in the brewery, taking over from his father, the former master brewer. Bakalar brews only with Czech-grown barley and hops. They are currently operating at their maximum capacity as they don’t want to compromise quality by increasing their production. Every pint is a testament to their dedication.

And, of course, there’s Plzeň, where it all began. In the 13th century, the town decided to focus on beer production, but small-scale brewers struggled with consistency. Eventually, they united to create Pilsner Urquell, the birthplace of the Pilsner style. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic beers in the world. Their brewery tour is a must-do when in Czechia.

Lastly, a trip to Budvar (known as Budweiser Budvar) is a must. You may have heard of the long-standing battle between Budvar and the American Budweiser (Bud) over the rights to the name. This decades-old dispute is still unresolved, but two things for sure—Budvar’s rich and malty lager, is well worth trying, and it’s not the same beer as their American namesake.

Czechia’s beer culture is not just about the drink itself but the passion, history, and community behind it. From the delicate balance of local ingredients to the centuries-old brewing traditions, Czech beer is truly a masterpiece. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Pilsner or exploring the darker side of lagers, every pint tells a story.

So, next time you’re looking for a beer experience like no other, consider Czechia—where beer isn’t just a beverage, but a way of life.