Posted on 06/10/2025 6:06:24 AM PDT by Cronos
In 1895, a significant chapter in the Czech brewing industry began. This distinctly Czech company was established in response to the Czech-German rivalry in Budějovice and the dominance of the German Měšt'anský Pivovar.
Czech national brewers, led by August Zátka, established a brewery that continued the long-standing tradition of Budějovice beer production. On October 7, 1895, the first brewmaster of the Czech Joint Stock Brewery brewed the first batch of beer. This moment marked the beginning of the history of the famous Budějovice brewery.
In 1930, the Budvar trademark was registered, becoming synonymous with quality and a leading brand of export lager. The name "Budvar" refers to the town of České Budějovice (Budweis in German) and to a brewing tradition dating back to the 13th century. The success of the brand led to the brewery being renamed Budvar – Czech Joint Stock Brewery in 1936.
Since 1907, Budvar has faced lawsuits over the "Budweiser" brand, primarily against the American company Anheuser-Busch InBev. Budvar has been successful not only in the courtrooms but also on international markets - its beer is now available in more than 70 countries.
The fact that Budvar is drunk a lot in Poland, Germany or Slovakia probably won't put anyone off, but you know you can buy it even when you see the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Lord of the Rings landscape in New Zealand or the endless plains of Mongolia.
In 2024, Budweiser Budvar reached a historic milestone, brewing a record 1.927 million hectolitres of beer, the equivalent of 77 Olympic swimming pools! Exports accounted for over 70% of production, while the domestic market also saw significant growth. Over the last three years, Budvar has contributed CZK 1.35 billion to the Czech state budget.
“We are very happy that we are succeeding in our long-term mission—to spread the glory of Czech beer far beyond the borders of the country,” said Budvar’s director, Petr Dvořák, adding that this opens the door for other Czech breweries.
Budweiser Budvar not only continues the tradition of Czech beer but also blends it with art. In 2024, the brewery collaborated with Czech microbreweries on unique beer specials such as breweries Zlatá Kráva, Dva Kohouti, Cobolis, and Lucky Bastard. On top of this, the TMBK graphic designer created a limited-edition can for Budvar 33.
water, malted barely and saaz hops. Pilsen Urquell is excellent. never had the original budvar.
Warsteiner, an incredible beer and a reason to fly Lufthansa
Belgian Duvel, an ale, the the following two English ales: Harvey from Lewes and Old speckled hen
Pilsen is really good. I’d say the original Budvar is similar
Budvar was founded in 1895; Budweiser was founded in 1876. The fact that Budwar claims to be the real Budweiser only shows how screwed up EU laws are.
Budvar is based in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, known historically as Budweis in German. Beer has been brewed there since the 13th century, and the term “Budweiser” (meaning “from Budweis”) was used to describe beers from this region long before either company existed. Budvar argues that its beer is the authentic “Budweiser” because it is brewed in the original Budweis, using local ingredients and traditional methods tied to the region’s centuries-old brewing heritage.
Budějovický Budvar is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication, akin to Champagne for sparkling wine from that region.
Anheuser-Busch, founded in St. Louis, Missouri, began producing its Budweiser beer in 1876, inspired by the Bohemian brewing style and the fame of Budweis beer. Adolphus Busch, a German immigrant, chose the name “Budweiser” to evoke the prestigious Czech brewing tradition, but the beer was brewed in the United States, not Budweis. Budvar argues that Anheuser-Busch’s use of the name is an appropriation of a geographic term, not an original creation.
American Budweiser is truly awful beer. The Czech Budweiser is very good. Also the Speckled Hen on your list is excellent.
Had it once, was very good.
I like Milwaukees Best.
I experienced Budvar in a Czech restaurant in Wiesbaden, W. Germany when I was there 1978-81. German beers were good yet I found my palate preferred the Budvar. While I no longer consume alcohol, an opportunity to taste Budvar again would be welcomed.
The imported stuff we get here is terrible compared to the real stuff. I think there are some import requirements or they brew different batches to last longer in a can or bottle. Budvar is not good especially in a region with so many good lighter beer options.
The nasty taste of mass produced American beers is in part the result of Prohibition. Before Prohibition beer was made by hundreds of small breweries who produced beers in local styles and with generally good quality. Prohibition closed most of these breweries with only the large brewers managing to survive. When Prohibition ended the large brewers wanted to produce beers quickly, cheaply and in quantity to meet the pent up demand and the public wasn’t very particular about what the beer tasted like as long as it had alcohol. Hence the American style lager beer became the standard with sales driven by advertising rather than major differences in product. This style was further solidified by the large brewers buying up smaller regional brewers until we have only the big three oligopoly.
The fiasco Bud Lite ad showed how tenuous the market had become. Bud Lite plummeted in sales and interestingly Mexican import beer Modelo now is a sales leader in the US market. Modelo is more traditionally brewed and isn’t the watery rice based beer like Bud Lite. The growth of small craft brewers also shows that the market especially with younger drinkers is abandoning the America lager style for better more diverse beer products.
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