A JOURNEY THROUGH CZECH BREWING TRADITION: BEER MISSION TRIP
As part of our never-ending quest for brewing inspiration, we recently embarked on a beer mission trip to the Czech Republic. This journey, generously sponsored by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture, allowed us to explore the country’s rich brewing history, source local ingredients, and gain invaluable insights into the world of Czech beer. Our itinerary took us through some of the most legendary beer regions, where we experienced Czech brewing traditions firsthand.
Exploring Historic Breweries
Our journey began in the vibrant city of Prague with a tour of U Fleku, a brewery that has been operating for over 500 years. While known for its traditional pilsner, it was U Fleku’s dark Czech pilsner that stood out. U Fleku showed us how deep-rooted history continues to shape the beer scene today. From there, we visited Bakalar Brewery in Rakovnik, a family-owned craft brewery still using traditional open-top fermentation methods. This blend of craftsmanship and heritage left a lasting impression on our brewing team.
In Zatec, we met with local hop farmers and processors, gaining insights into the production of the world-renowned Saaz hops. Being able to walk through the hop museum to understand the history of this world renown noble hop was unforgettable. Another eye-opening experience was our trip to the hops processing factory were we were able to witness the intricate processing techniques behind such a crucial brewing ingredient.
One of the most anticipated stops on the trip was, of course, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Pilsen. As the birthplace of the pilsner style, this brewery felt like the Willy Wonka factory of beer with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from the birthplace of the Pilsner beer style. Beyond the tour, we even took part in a special class to master the art of pouring Czech beer styles—Hladinka, Šnyt, and Mlíko.
Dive Into Czech Distillation: The Becherovka Factory
Our journey wasn’t limited to beer alone. In Karlovy Vary, we toured the Becherovka factory, home to one of the most famous herbal liqueurs in the world. Led by one of the two existing Recipe Guardians, the tour gave us rare insights into the closely held secrets behind this Czech icon. It was a fascinating departure from our beer-focused itinerary, adding depth to our understanding of Czech craftsmanship in the broader world of beverages.
Memorable Tastings
Among the many highlights of the trip were the people we met—brewers and industry experts who opened their cellars to us, sharing beers that few ever get to taste. One such experience was tasting an exclusive fresh Saaz hop imperial lager straight from the Budvar cellars, brewed solely for the brewery’s own staff. This beer was nothing short of a revelation—without a doubt, the best beer I’ve ever had. The freshness and complexity of this beer were astounding, with soft ripe banana, spice, and floral notes blending perfectly in the foam—a memorable tasting experience that elevated our understanding of what lagers could be.
Another standout was the unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell, tasted directly from the source at the brewery. This lack of processing elevated the flavor profile of our favorite pilsner to new heights.
U Fleku’s dark Czech pilsner also left a lasting impression, with its roasted notes and subtle sweetness. The flavors were complex yet approachable, a testament to the artistry behind Czech brewing.
Lessons in Tradition
One of the most inspiring aspects of the trip was seeing how centuries-old brewing techniques are still very much alive today. Whether it was open-top fermentation at Bakalar or traditional floor malting at Ferdinand Brewery, we were constantly reminded that brewing, at its core, is a craft passed down through generations.
As we continue to develop our own beers, we plan to incorporate more Czech hops into future releases, drawing on what we learned from the local farmers and brewers. And of course, the dark lagers we encountered will have a lasting influence on our brewing philosophy going forward.
Savoring Czech Flavors
Beer is never enjoyed in isolation in the Czech Republic; it’s always accompanied by rich, flavorful food. We had the pleasure of indulging in local delicacies like beer cheese served over garlic-rubbed fried bread. The food was bold and paired perfectly with the beers we tried, adding yet another layer to our Czech adventure. Czech food, with its robust flavors and comforting textures, elevated our appreciation for how well it complements the country’s diverse beer styles.
Personal Reflections
This trip to the Czech Republic was truly unforgettable. It wasn’t just about touring breweries and tasting beer—it was about connecting with the people behind these historic brews, hearing their stories, and understanding the passion that drives them to preserve their traditions in a modern world.
The experience of sipping on a fresh-hopped lager in the Budvar cellars is something I’ll never forget. It’s the kind of beer every lager brewer dreams of making—perfectly balanced, aromatic, and alive with flavor.
While Czech brewing has its own distinct personality, there’s so much we can take from it and apply in our own way. We’re excited to bring some of the magic of Czech beer culture back with us, from the brewing methods to the unique pour styles. Stay tuned as we explore new flavors and styles inspired by this remarkable journey.
A very special thanks to H.E Josef Koutsky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the UAE and Lukas Zamrzla, Head of Agriculture section for GCC countries, for expertly curating such a wonderful experience and, of course, the Department of Agriculture for promoting cross cultural exchange.