Strahov Brewery
Strahov Brewery is an absolute Mecca for beer drinkers visiting Prague. Not the oldest brewery in the city by a long shot but it has an interesting history and it’s well worth a trip to this area of the city which is fairly high and so affords some stunning scenic views.
Strahov Brewery History
As with most old breweries in the city, this one came after a religious order called the Premonstratensian order was established on the site in the year 1142 so the brewery would be established shortly after. The founder of this order was a German priest called Norbert. He’s going to pop up again later.
Both the brewery and the order were affected by various fires, wars and plagues but in total the brewery operated for more than 600 years until the communists closed the complex and sent the priests and monks to labour camps. So the modern-day history begins after the communist period.
Strahov Brewery Today
Following the 1990s renovation the brewery began production again in the year 2000 with it’s signature Saint Norbert unfiltered and unpasteurised beers. They brew approximately 1800 Hectolitres annually and 95% of this production is consumed at the brewery. Their most popular beer is the malt “Amber Lager” and this accounts for 70% of the beer produced. This is a 5.3% strength beer made with Saaz hops. Their “Dark Lager” is also made from Saaz hops but brewed to be a touch stronger.
The two other main beers they sell are the American Pale Lager and the Hazy IPA. These are brewed with American Cryo hops so with more Lulupin content they are more aromatic and in the case of the IPA, at the strong end of this brewery’s scale. At the time of writing you should allow CZK100 for a 0.4L glass and you may get some change.
Eating at the Strahov Brewery
Several beef, pork and chicken options with some fish and vegetarian dishes makes up the menu. At least two of the starters and two of the main meals use the Dark Lager as part of the ingredients. Prices are comparable to restaurants in the area. You can choose to sit inside or outside depending on the season.
My Thoughts
I’ve been here many times over the years on my own, with friends and with tour clients. As a dark beer drinker myself I tend towards their Dark Lager but I have been known to have the odd Amber Lager. I’ve tried all the beers here in the past and since around 2014 when they introduced the American hops variant even though I’ve tried them, the Dark Lager is still better for me. I’m not a “main meal” person so I’ll just have what Czechs call Buřty or what on the English menu is called “Roasted Sausages in a dark lager sauce” (the sauce will also have caramelized onions and sweet peppers). Nice atmosphere. Typical Czech rules like ask to share a table before you sit down etc. Then to work off the beer/food you have the nice scenic walk down through the Lesser Town back to the centre.
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