Bohemian rhapsody
There’s more to the Czech Republic than the inimitable pilsner style of beer. It may have taken on the American Budweiser in a trademark claim, but the Budjovický Budvar is a classic Czech beer from the region of Budweis, one that this former Bohemian nation is proud of.
Made from the acclaimed zatec (Saaz) hops and the finest malted barley from the Moravian region, Budvar is to the Czech Republic what sparkling wine from Champagne is to France. The uniqueness and originality of Budvar lager was acknowledged even by the EU by awarding the beer with “Protected Geographical Indication” (PGI).
Beer brewing in Budweis dates back to the 13th century. A few hundred years later, two breweries were founded in the city that made beer which they called “Budweiser”, both being beers from the city of Budweis, which was then a part of the Kingdom of Bohemia. In 1876, the American brewer Anheuser-Busch began making a beer, which it also called “Budweiser” (what we drink in India even today). Many years of dispute later, today Budvar is called Budweiser in most EU nations and Czechvar in the US, where Anheuser-Busch continues to call its beer Budweiser. In India, we get the American Budweiser and the Czech beer Budjovický Budvar.
With ABV 5% volume, the pale lager is characterised by a thick rich foamy head and a distinct golden yellow colour. The makers do not use malt or glucose syrup of corn or rice origin, preventing an accent of these ingredients in beer, which is not typical for a Czech type beer.
The full body is medium and maltlike. The lager has a medium to strong flavour, one that works very well while pairing with gravy-rich Indian food.
Post new comment