Bernard Wins “Brewery of the Year” for Eighth Time

The Bernard Family Brewery from Humpolec has once again been crowned Brewery of the Year by the Association of Beer Friends (SPP), marking its eighth win in this prestigious category.

The brewery won in two categories based on beer type, with their light ‘desítka’ beer and their holiday lager.

The Prague-based Pivovar Strahov was named Microbrewery of the Year, while Flying Brewery of the Year, a title for breweries without their own facilities, went to Prague’s Pivovar Chroust.

The SPP has been recognizing top brewers, beers, and brewing personalities since 1990, making it the longest-standing competition in Czechia’s modern beer scene.

The association’s over 1,500 members cast their votes in the initial phase, and selected beers then move to a blind tasting to determine the final winners. SPP has maintained trademarks on its awards since their inception, including Brewery of the Year since 2004, Minibrewery of the Year since 2006, and Flying Brewery of the Year since 2022.

Bernard Brewery’s Winning Journey and History

The Bernard Brewery has long been a symbol of resilience and growth. In 1991, the brewery narrowly avoided closure, revived in the nick of time by new owners. A crucial turning point came in 2001, when a Belgian investor partnered with Bernard, fueling exponential growth.

This year, Pivovar Kamenice nad Lipou and Pivovar Únětice took second and third places, respectively, in the industrial breweries category.

Microbrewery Competition Continues to Intensify

The Strahov microbrewery, which emerged as this year’s top microbrewery, has operated since 2000. The increasing popularity of Czech microbreweries echoes its success.

In Prague alone, there are approximately 50 microbreweries, with 15 new establishments opening this year and 22 last year. “Each year, competition within the microbrewery scene intensifies,” said Erlich. Jablonec nad Nisou’s Pivovar Volt and Ledce’s Pivovar Ovipistán ranked second and third among microbreweries, respectively.

Additional awards recognized dark and semi-dark bottom-fermented beers, with Svatý Norbert Dark Lager from Strahov winning this category.

Primátor Weizen from Náchod took the top spot among wheat beers, while Jablonec’s Volt Baterka was voted the best light top-fermented beer.

The dark and semi-dark top-fermented category was won by The Darkness from Permon in Sokolovské. In the sour beer category, Raspberry Sorbet from the Prague-based Siberria Brewery was rated the best.

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