Beer in the Czech Republic has a long and celebrated history.

Hops were founded in the Czech Republic in 859, and the first authorized Czech brewery was founded in 1118 in Cerhenice, Brno. Although it is believed monasteries were brewing since 993. The two cities that are most associated with Czech beer today are Plzeň (Pilsen) and České Budějovice, both cities began brewing in the 13th century.

Under the Communist regime Czech breweries were nationalized, which led to Czech beer being cheap, but of poorer quality. Following the fall of communism, Czech beer remained inexpensive, but regained its worldwide reputation of excellence.

Even under communism, the Czechs remained heavy beer drinkers. Today they are the biggest consumers of beer in the world, and beer continues to be cheaper than water.

Czech beer is sold worldwide, although it is sometimes changed to meet the demands of the market. Some of the best-known Czech brands include: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Kozel, Gambrinus, Staropramen, Krušovice, and Starobrno.

The brews come in many colors, taste, and style. One of the best characteristics of the Czech Republic is their local brewery’s, which can be found in every region, and have special recipes that make their beer unique and distinctive.

To learn more about the history of the Czech Republics breweries and what makes them so remarkable and distinctive please see the full article here.

Author is CEO and co-owner at Foreigners.cz agency which provides complex services for foreign students and expats, starting with apartment rentals, insurance, transportation etc.