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The Czech Republic, renowned for its beer culture, has been quietly advancing its global influence through an innovative "beer diplomacy" initiative, inviting international brewers to learn the art of crafting authentic Czech-style lagers. For the past six years, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture has hosted brewers from countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States, immersing them in the nation’s rich brewing heritage.
The Czech Republic, particularly its Bohemia region, has brewed beer since at least 993 CE and boasts the world’s highest per capita beer consumption—nearly double that of Austria, the second-highest consumer. Despite this, Czech lagers have historically been overshadowed by Belgian ales, Bavarian brews, and the global IPA trend, partly due to 41 years behind the Iron Curtain and the subsequent need for breweries to modernize post-1989. However, Czech-style lagers—known for their crisp, full-bodied flavor, bitter notes, and creamy foam—are gaining international recognition, thanks to this diplomatic effort. The program, likened to Thailand’s successful "gastro-diplomacy" that popularized Thai cuisine globally, involves a five-day itinerary where visiting brewers meet macro and microbrewers, hops farmers, bartenders, and pub owners. A recent visit included stops at Pioneer Beer in Žatec, home to Saaz hops, and interactions with industry leaders like Pilsner Urquell’s former beer master Vaclav Berka and Budvar’s head brewer Adam Brož. The brewers also explored innovations like Lukr’s side-pull taps, which ensure the signature thick, creamy foam on Czech beers. Since 2015, Lukr’s tap sales to North America have surged from 12 to 2,000 annually, reflecting the growing popularity of Czech-style lagers. Brewers like Liam Taheny of Australia’s Brightstar Brewing and Meghan Michels of Seattle’s Holy Mountain Brewing Company praised the Czechs’ expertise, noting that the authentic taste of Czech lager is best experienced at its source. Ryan Moncrieff of Canada’s Rafter R Brewing Company emphasized the challenge of replicating this flavor abroad, underscoring the program’s role in inspiring foreign brewers to perfect their craft. The initiative has led to a rise in Czech-style lagers at craft breweries across North America, with notable examples including Sacred Profane in Maine and Cohesion Brewing in Colorado. Lucie Janečková of Prague’s Institut Pivo highlighted the cultural importance of proper beer pouring, a skill the program teaches to ensure respect for the brewing process. By fostering this exchange, the Czech Republic aims to deepen global appreciation for its beer, encouraging beer enthusiasts to visit and experience its unparalleled lager culture firsthand.
