Czech Republic

Czech Beers

Throughout the history of beer, the Czech Republic notably influenced the creation of the Pilsen style. Its influence was also felt in neighboring Germany, which adopted the brewing processes used to make Pilsen beers.

In the 13th century, top-fermented and bottom-fermented beers were produced, the latter being called "old beer" because the process was longer, thus the first Lager beers were born. But it was not until the 15th century that this brewing system reached Bavaria, falling into disuse in the Czech Republic. Once the 19th century arrived, the bottom-fermentation system made its way back to the Czech Republic. In 1842, a brewery in Pilsen developed a malt drying system with indirect heat and low-temperature maturation, which revolutionized production worldwide. Soon, all of Bohemia embraced this new technique, which transformed the world of beer.

The result was that Czech beers were drier and clearer than their German counterparts. Today, the prestige of Pilsen beers and Czech beers in general remains.