| Product: |
Budweiser Budvar Premium |
| Date: |
12/01/04 (213 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Brewed in the southern Bohemian town of České Budejovice since 1895, Budweiser Budvar is definitely not to be confused with its younger, inferior American namesake. Taking its name from the town of its birth - Budweis was the old German name for the town before Czechoslovakia was founded - Budvar has 31% of the Czech beer market and is exported to more than sixty countries on four continents. Locked in a worldwide trademark dispute with Anheuser-Busch for the best part of a century over the rights to the Budweiser name, it's known as Czechvar in the US, though you'll find both products trading under the same name in Britain. Be careful which you buy because there really is no similarity beyond the title.
Although both my sons had been raving about Budvar for years I only tasted it myself on a long weekend in Prague last August. One of several excellent Czech beers - I'd highly recommend Bernard, Staropramen, Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus as well - I tried, it's unfortunately a lot cheaper in its homeland than it is over here. I haven't seen it on tap in many places in Britain but it's on sale in bottles in an increasing number of pubs and you should be able to pick it up from any good supermarket.
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
As the temperature in Prague at the time of my visit was almost thirty degrees, I really needed something crisp and refreshing to drink in between being dragged around various overcrowded tourist sights by my youngest son. Golden in colour, slightly sweet tasting and wonderfully refreshing Budvar's real strength comes in its raw ingredients. The Saas hops from the Zamec region of North Bohemia are known as the best in the world, giving a slightly bitter taste after the initial sweetness. There are hints of fruit, and maybe a little vanilla. It's well carbonated without being gassy, has a nice head that isn't too big and has a lovely malt aroma that isn't overpowering. You get a ni
ce bit of lace around the glass and at 5% ABV it has a kick as well without being too strong. I fiund it went really well with the heavy Czech food but I've also drunk it back in Britain with curries and my Sunday roast both of which it accompanied very well. Overall Budvar is a very well balanced dry beer that is best served chilled and will leave you wanting more. Usually I'm not a big lager drinker but I found I was able to drink this for the best part of the day without feeling bloated or gassy. There's really nothing at all to dislike about this beer. On the other hand, the last time I drank the American version the only things I felt like doing more than once were belching and visiting the toilet.
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY IT.
Budvar is not only a lovely beer that's superior in every respect to the horrible ice cold, taste free 'King of Beers', it's also the underdog in a worldwide battle against a brewing giant that thinks expensive TV commercials are more important than tradition and quality. Buying 'Bud' when you could have Budvar is a crime.
WEBSITE
www.budvar.cz
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