Last Saturday, beer enthusiasts gathered at Purkmistr brewery in Pilsen for Slunce ve Skle, an annual microbrewery festival that has won acclaim in the Czech Republic, as well as abroad. The variety of beer was fantastic- having everything from traditional Czech lagers, to dark beers, wheat beers, and ales, you could choose from over 44 breweries, and 151 different types of beer. This year, a large number of ales were on tap, proving that brewing here is becoming more dynamic.

As usual, Kocour had their awesome ales on tap, like Quarterback, Samuraj, and Sumecek. Matuska only had 3 beers- none of which were his best. Purkmistr had a new Pomeranc Kastan Ale, (orange and chestnut ale), as well as an American ale, both of which were unusual, and well-brewed. Klaster had a notable 16° IPA, which was tasty and rich. However, the most outstanding brewery that we noticed from a small brewery just located within Prague’s western boarders, Trebonice. Trebonice also won the festival’s best beer award, voted for by participants.

Trebonice had 4 beers on tap, all of which were gone by midway through the festival- due to their popularity. We particularly liked Skrblik, a 13° Scottish ale, which was excellent, and the extra dry hopped ale, Bohatyr, 14° again, an amazing, bitter ale with a rich, full flavored body.

Trebonice is located just within Prague’s borders, in the direction of Zlicin. According to their website, their beer is served in Restaurant Gusta, which is sadly open only from May- September, from 18.30-22. Take bus 249 from Luka metro station, on the yellow line.

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