A Small Guide to Draft Beer
Beer isn’t tapped. It’s drawn! “The brewmaster brews the beer, but the innkeeper makes it.” This wise, old saying indicates just how important it is in acquiring the final taste to draw the beer correctly. There are many styles of drawing beer and a talented barman only needs one evening to show you four various flavours, all drawn with the exact same type of beer.
The simply classic “hladinka” (Czech equivalent of “water level”, or in this case “beer level”)
A large beer with foam all the way to the top of the glass. This beer is drawn after dropping the foam at an angle of forty-five degrees per draw. As a rule, the foam must be thick and creamy, remaining on top of the beer for up to several minutes. Only foam of this quality can protect the beverage, ensuring that the beer is just right. After you’ve finished drinking, all that should remain are small ringlets left behind by the foam.
Šnyt
A small beer, drawn into a large glass, with the larger half being made up of foam. This is the perfect size for beer tasting, or if you’re on your way out the door and looking to gradually slow down your beer intake without having to order another large. And just so you know, the famous author Karel Čapek made a point to write about the beauty of the šnyt. That’s just how good it is.
Mlíko (Milk)
At first glance this beer appears like a glass of milk, as the entire half-litre mug is full to the brim with creamy-looking foam. The magic of drinking a Mlíko can be seen once you drain your glass. Mlíko has a particularly soft and sweet taste, and is primarily the drink of choice for women.
Čochtan
Beer drawn almost completely without any foam. Čochtan is brilliantly refreshing and ideal for quenching your thirst. Just know that you need to finish it as soon as possible, otherwise the beer will quickly go flat without a foam layer to protect it.
Draft beer workshop
We know that quality beer is dependent on its production. Nevertheless, knowing how to correctly draw the beer plays no lesser of a role. If you don’t know how to draw beer, sign up for the Draft Beer Workshop at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
During the three-hour course you will learn at least a bit of the barman’s trade, while also discovering nearly everything you need to know about beer and how to draw it. Of course, you will be taught by experienced professionals. If interested, you will need to book your reservation beforehand. You can also purchase the Draft Beer Workshop for someone else as a gift.
