Krušovice Royal Brewery: A Taste of Czech Brewing History

The Krušovice Royal Brewery, or Královský pivovar Krušovice, stands as a testament to the Czech Republic's rich brewing history. Founded in 1581 in the village of Krušovice, the brewery has been producing beer for over four centuries. Its story is intertwined with Czech royalty; in 1583, Emperor Rudolf II, captivated by the beer's exceptional taste, purchased the brewery, bestowing upon it the 'Royal' title. The Imperial Crown of Austria became part of the company's logo, a symbol that endures today. Throughout its history, the brewery has passed through various hands, including the Waldstein family in 1685. After 1945, it became a state-owned company before being privatized in 1993 and eventually acquired by Heineken N.V. in 2007. Despite these changes, Krušovice has maintained its commitment to traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. The brewery utilizes hops from the Žatec region, water from the Křivoklát forests and Czech and Moravian barley. A tour of the Krušovice Brewery provides insight into the brewing process, from wort production to fermentation, filtration, and bottling. The tour often concludes with a tasting session in the old malt house, where visitors can sample various Krušovice beers. Popular varieties include Krušovice 10, Krušovice 12, Krušovice Dark, and Krušovice Mušketýr.