February 2, 2009: Zatec

America is a relatively young country when you think about it. We've only been an independent nation since 1776, which is nothing compared to countries like Switzerland that have been since 1200's. It's hard for me to fathom anything existing for more than 200 years, let alone something existing for over a millennium, but that's exactly Zatec's (Zatecky Pivovar as it's known in it's homeland the Czech Republic) pedigree. Since before the year 1000, the Saaz region of modern day Czech Republic has been famous for the exceptional variety of hops that is grown there. As many of you saavy beer coinneseurs out there already know, hops is probably the most crucial element that determines the unique flavor of a beer. Zatec has been brewed in the city that shares its namesake since the year 1004. No, that is not a typo. For over a millennium, Zatec has been brewed with the finest hops that the Saaz region has to offer, with very few changes to the brewing recipe. It has been made in the same brewery since 1261, making it one of only two beers to earn the distinction of having been brewed in one location for over 700 years. There are few other beers in the world that can even come close to claiming the rich tradition that Zatec has cultivated for a thousand years. Naturally, a beer of such distinction is held to the highest critical standards that I can possibly muster. After over a thousand years of brewing by the same recipe, I expected nothing less than excellence from Zatec.

After over a thousand years of striving perfection, Zatec has come pretty close. Zatec labels itself as a "bright" lager, which is probably the best adjective to describe the taste of this beer. It's not technically classified as a light beer, but the light and airy taste of Zatec suggests otherwise. I can't remember being so impressed by a lager in a long, long time but Zatec really set itself apart from the rest of the pack. The fabled hops of Saaz clearly give this lager it's trademark flavor, which made it an absolute joy to drink. If you can get a bottle of Zatec, by all means please give this lager a try. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Na Zdravi!
Ian

http://www.zateckypivovar.cz