Grab a beer in beer nation

The Czech Republic is home to the original Pilsner beer. That’s just one of the reasons that the country is considered “Beer Nation.” The Czechs love to speak about beer and their consumption of the brew is amongst the highest in the world.

Yes, Beer is considered the nation’s symbol and Czech Republic is a beer lover’s paradise. These folks take their beer as seriously as Indians take their chai. It is enjoyed with lunch, with dinner, by itself, and it is also commonly drunk with breakfast!! It’s no wonder that the citizens’ struggle with alcoholism.

If you’re just passing through, there are a couple of things you must do to learn more about this beautiful country and its beer culture.

Firstly, there are over 40 industrial breweries in this tiny country, so visiting one will be an easy task. The largest among them are Plzensky Pranzdoj Group (Pilsner, Urquell, Gambrinus, Radegast), Staropramen Brewery (Staropranem, Branik, Velvet), Heineken Ceska Republica, Budweiser and PMS Prenov Group (Litobel, Zubr, Holba). You will also come across more than 100 small and medium sized family breweries.

Beer Baths have become a popular wellness procedure. This special spa therapy will have you enjoying the healing powers of mineral water with all the ingredients used in beer preparation. The effects of bathing in yeasty beer have been known since the Middle Ages and apparently prevents one against a number of diseases.

With all that out of the way, it’s time to find a great beer. By the way, Czechs have shunned the idea of “light beer” and you won’t find any “Pilsner Light” on any self respecting bar menu. If you prefer your beer light, look at the label and you will find a number ranging from 10 to 16 degrees. The 10 degree tends to be lighter and less alcoholic than deadly 16.

For the best regional beers, visit Prague Beer Museum, a 10 minute walk from Old Town Square. No, this isn’t really a museum, but a pub with a rotating bar menu of 20 regional beers on tap. Order them one by one, or in a convenient five or ten glass “tasting” menu. Pivovarsky Klub, Pivovarsky Dum and Pivni Gallerie are places to check up on for beer lovers.TIPS TO GET YOUR BEER1. Pubs are everywhere – at the bus or train station, on every street corner, even in the middle of the forest for hikers. 2. Pay attention to the sign hanging on the door of a pub – it will indicate a beer company who’s beer that the pub serves. It is unlikely to get any other brands there.3. To keep ordering, use the Czech word “Pivo.” Keep in mind that 10 degrees in 4.5% alcohol, 12 degrees is 5% and so on.4. Beer will come until you stop it and your tab will be maintained on a piece of paper on your table. Be sure to tip. A common tip isn’t much. Around 5-10 crowns for a tab of 100 crowns.Have a great time... Bottoms up!