Like Germany, Czechia is another country in Europe making a claim as the land of “the original beer.” Brewing in the country dates back as far as the year 993, and the tradition continues into the modern era.
Also like Germany, you won’t find as many “craft” breweries in the American style in Prague. These places exist; however the most of what you’ll find is either (a) pilsner or lager from large major Czech brewers (Pilsner Urquell is the biggest), or (b) pilsner or lager from one of the countless small local breweries operating from a single location. There are certainly exceptions, and you can find more variety at supermarkets (Brooklyn Lager and Brewdog are some notable examples), but by and large this is what you’ll find throughout Prague.
As a positive, all you need to say at most places is “beer” and they know what to serve you.
While the variety is lacking when compared to America (and some other countries we’ve visited on our trip), the beers they do brew in Czechia are excellent across the board. I was completely happy drinking Pilsners and Lagers for the entire visit, not craving an IPA at all.
I’ll also highlight something unique we saw in Prague in terms of the bar culture. On top of typical bars/restaurants and the historical places you’d expect in a city this old, we also discovered a series of “floating” bars along the banks of the Vltava river. These are indeed floating vessels, just decommissioned with engines replaced by keg tanks. Very cool to enjoy a beer right on the water!
Overall, Czech beer is among the best we had throughout Europe. We will let them fight it out with the Germans over who’s really the “original” beer brewing country – both are excellent regardless!
