The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. There is a unique beer culture there. So much that beer is cheaper than water there. In fact, when I was last there, some of the locals in Prague told me that if you go to a restaurant and the beer is more expensive than water, you turn around and leave. Because it’s probably an overpriced tourist trap.

Why is the beer there so inexpensive? Oddly enough, communism is the reason. There were many industries that were nationalized under the communist regime. The beer industry was one of them. This resulted in beer being low-priced and abundant. This continued after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. However, smaller breweries had trouble staying in business as the bigger ones such as pilsner and Budvar had the ability to keep their product cheap and plentiful.

In recent years, that has been changing. Craft beer has been becoming more popular in the Czech Republic. Allowing tourists and locals to enjoy exceptional brews across the country. I’ve put together a list of popular smaller breweries in the Czech Republic. I’ve omitted the bigger ones such as Pilsner or Budvar because I want the reader to be aware of some pleasant gems around the country. Also, these smaller breweries probably aren’t brimming with tourists.

1. Métaphore Prague, Praha Czech Republic. Nano Brewery

On untapped.com this brewery is rated number one for the whole country. They have a selection of 20 beers to choose from and can be ordered online. Although, I’m not sure if they deliver outside the EU. But if you end up in the Czech Republic, you’ll definitely see their beers sold in stores and pubs alike.

2. Wild Creatures Mikulov, Jihovýchod Czech Republic. Micro Brewery

Their brewery is south of Brno in an out of the way place for tourists to visit. But their beers can be found in most pubs and stores. Currently, they have 13 beers to choose from.

3. Fenetra

Czech Republic. Nano Brewery

They are located in a small village called Potštejn and are a subsidiary of Pivovar Clock. They can also be found across the country in various pubs and stores with a catalog of 16 different kinds of beers to choose from.

4. Černý Potoka

Czech Republic. Contract Brewery

This brewery is located south of the small town known as Jicin. They have a whopping 60 beers to choose from! And as you can guess, they too can be found in most pubs and stores.

5. Rodinný pivovar Zichovec

Zichovec, Střední Čechy Czech Republic. Micro Brewery

A local guide said that they are “True masters of the brewer's art. Delicious beer with willingness to experiment (such as a smoky stout matured in cask after peated whisky). Always happy to find a place where their beer can be purchased.” So, if you see Zichovec in a pub or a store the next time you’re in the Czech Republic, be sure to give one of their beers a try! Also, they have 319 kinds of beers to choose from.

6. JBM Brew Lab

Brno, Jihovýchod Czech Republic. Micro Brewery

If you find yourself in Brno, then you absolutely have to check into the JBM Brew Lab! With 200 beers to choose from, you might be there for quite a while!

7. Sibeeria Brewery

Prague, Praha Czech Republic. Micro Brewery

I like the pun in their name. I want to assume that the owner is a father that loves his dad jokes. They are in Praha 9 with 154 beers to choose from. So be sure to Czech them out if you’re in Prague!

8. Pivovar Zhůřák

Zhur, Czech Republic. Nano Brewery

They are located in a small town called Zhur which is south of Pilsen. Like most breweries listed, they are in an out of the way place. But their large selection of 131 beers can be found in pubs and stores alike.

9. Chroust

Prague, Czech Republic. Contract Brewery

This brewery is located in Prague with a large selection of 119 beers to choose from. Be sure to add this place to your list when you go on a pub crawl in Prague.

10. Dva Kohouti

Prague, Czech Republic. Brew Pub

This is a personal favorite of mine. A local brought me to this pub when I was last in Prague. I had a good time. The people present were accommodating and I was in good company… from what I can remember. They have a selection of 46 beers to choose from. I definitely recommend this place if you decide to visit. Prague.

Written by: Erick Johnson