CENTRAL EUROPE’S OLDEST BREWERY STILL THRIVES

The capital Prague is the most attractive tourist and meeting destination in the Czech Republic. The City of a Hundred Spires on the Vltava River is known to people from all over the world and ranks among the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Prague is not only rich in architectural monuments, cultural heritage and historical sights, but is also modern and dynamic. Although this could be said of many of Europe’s historic cities there, are many aspects of this amazing tourist destination that sets it apart from all others. It could be argued, that the most discerning traveler, might agree with the the fact that this area has the most  traditional example of beer halls in all of Europe.

You probably know that Czech beer was good, but did you know it actually tastes better in the Czech Republic? Seriously, when you open up a bottle of Pilsner Urquell at home, you’re not drinking the same thing as when you get it fresh from a tap in the Czech Republic! Did you also know that the WAY beer is poured actually has an effect on it’s taste as well?

Which brings us to the great debate, perhaps never to be settled, as to which is the best beer hall in Prague. When visiting Prague, one seems it may be sacrilegious, to not partake of this ancient tradition, in the oldest, continuously flowing tavern and brewery around: U Fleků, whose roots go back to the year 1499, when the brewery was first documented. Since then, U Fleků has witnessed the rise and fall of kings, emperors, and regimes- while always serving quality lager.

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Brewery

U Fleků is an impressive complex, and is the largest restaurant in the Czech republic, seating 1200 people. In the year 1499, the owner listed was a man by the name of Kremenec, hence the name of the street. In 1762, the brewery began to prosper under the ownership of a brewer named Flekovsky, which the brewery is still named after. Over 500 years old, the original brewery was small- just one building, two stories high. As it grew in popularity in the 18th century, buildings were connected creating the courtyard that you can see today.

Even with its rich history, U Fleků is still today a hand-made operation. Only 4 people work in beer production here. As you might know, U Fleků’s famous dark lager can only be drunk in their pub, or bottles bought directly from them.

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Beer

Since 1843, U Fleků has served their critically acclaimed special dark 13° lager. Having a dark, deep almost black color, this beer has a lighter, sweet aroma. It’s exceptionally smooth- gently carbonated, this lager easily flows around your tongue, with a remarkably light refreshing body. With a sweeter beginning, this lager has the distinct taste of roasted barely, giving it a caramel taste, which ends with a bit of hops. Even though 13°, this lager doesn’t overwhelm you with the taste of alcohol. An excellent, historical Czech lager.

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Restaurant/Pub

At U Fleků with its numerous beer halls, decorated with gothic motifs, furniture, and low hazy light, it’s impossible to not get a feel for the history of medieval Prague. Underneath the shade of chestnut trees, is a pleasant summer garden with space for 400 people. Making a reservation isn’t a bad idea- U Fleků is always on the list for tourist groups, so many of the halls are booked in advance.

To go along with the special dark lager, they serve a variety of traditional Czech classics, such as Flekovský guláš, svíčková (beef in a creamy sauce), one half of a baked chicken or duck, and uzená krkovička (smoked pork neck). For those with a terrific appetite, they have ‘Flekovská bašta‘ which is duck, pork meat, sausages, and dumplings, or pečené koleno, a baked pork knee. If a snack is all you need, they have typical Czech beer snacks like nakládaný hermelín (pickled camembert cheese), pivní sýr (beer cheese) or number of other hot or cold snacks. Prices are aren’t cheap, but normal for a historical brewery in the center.

Today, U Fleků’s clientele have changed since their pre-revolution days. Now, most guests are tourists, and quite often larger tour groups visit U Fleků since this brewery is famous the world over. But, no doubt every Czech knows this famous brewery and lager. Service is sometimes a bit brisk- but undoubtedly quick, and professional.

 

 

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Here’s what USA Today has to say about this Prague Gem:

“Prague, Czech Republic

What to See: Had a Budweiser lately? You can thank the Czech. Pilsner, a type of pale lager, was invented in the town of Pilsen, near Prague. Try a freshly brewed cold one at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, one of the few places you can sample a cask-conditioned, non-pasteurized beer similar to what 19th-century drinkers tasted. If you want to taste more than the Czechs’ most famous export, visit during Prague’s 17-day Czech Beer Festival for traditional fare, live music, and costumed servers pouring more than 70 brands of domestic beer.

Where to Drink: Nightlife hot-spot Prague is as famous for its brewpubs and beer halls as it is for its dance clubs. U Fleku, which earns top marks from BeerAdvocate.com, is a sprawling tavern that serves its own dark, hoppy lagers. It’s been in business since 1499, and insiders say the service is as surly — and the beers as wonderful — as ever.”

 

 

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