Guild member Roger Protz, visiting Budweiser Budvar in the Czech Republic last week, was surprised and delighted to be given a framed certificate thanking him for his support over many years for the brewery’s independence. Roger already has a special tankard at the brewery, number 68, which commemorates the Prague Spring of 1968 when the government attempted to liberalise the regime, which led to the Soviet invasion.
Roger was visiting the brewery to see the work in hand to expand production to 2 million hectolitres a year. Budvar currently exports to 80 countries despite the best efforts of AB InBev, owners of American Budweiser, to hamper its efforts. Roger said: “Budvar’s beer is still magnificent and proves that 90-day lagering brings the best results. The brewery is still owned by the government, which is determined to keep it in Czech hands.”