On April 26, beer lovers will gather at Břevnov Monastery Brewery for the second annual festival, held at Czechia’s oldest monastery, founded in 993.

The highlight of the festival is a collaboration among five Czech monastery breweries, brought together through the Pilsner Urquell Brewers’ Choice initiative.

Each has created a unique “Pilgrimage Beer”, experimenting with smoked malt in different styles and proportions. In total, seven exclusive smoked beers will be available for tasting, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the diversity of monastic brewing in one place.

Joining the five Czech breweries is a special guest from Slovakia’s Červený Kláštor and Prazdroj’s Volba Sládků (Brewmaster’s Choice), rounding out the list of participants.

The hosting Břevnov Monastery Brewery has prepared a special surprise: a historical beer based on a 1585 recipe by Tadeáš Hájek of Hájek, court physician to Emperor Rudolf II.

This rare brew, made exclusively for the festival, offers a taste of 16th-century beer traditions. While last year’s edition showcased the brewing process, this year the focus shifts to sampling and storytelling.

Brewing Smoked Beer at Home

Beyond the tastings, the festival includes a thematic side program delving into the history of monastery brewing. Visitors can join guided tours of the Břevnov brewery and attend live brewing demonstrations led by experts from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.

These sessions will show attendees how to brew smoked beer at home.

The program also includes lectures and cultural performances. Entry to the entire event is free of charge.

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