Current Affairs Customers learn art of brewing at Olomouc pub
In the height of summer, no invitation is more common in the Czech Republic than “Let’s grab a beer”. Although business is down, most evening pubs still get their share of clientele enjoying the golden beverage. Now though, a venue in the eastern town of Olomouc has taken things a step further, not just allowing customers to drink but also to learn a thing or two about brewing.
Photo: CTK
Going out for a beer is easy enough and takes no particular talent, but
brewing? A different story. But increasingly some pub goers have expressed
an interest in learning what goes on behind the scenes. One Moravian
restaurant called Moritz has been offering courses of its own. Clients are
given the opportunity to assist in beer preparation and see the beverage in
a new light, not just from the bottom of their glass. Master brewer
Stanislav Nožka explains:
“We’ve been running the course for half a year now due to customer interest – as well as a form of advertising. We are a classic mini-brewery, which means the brewery is located on site at our restaurant; that means customers can get a close-up look at how beer is produced, something they are unlikely to see at major breweries now due to modernisation and new technology. Here, people can see how a classic Pilsner is made, and it is our way of raising awareness about traditional Czech beer and brewing techniques.”
Photo: CTK
Anyone taking the one-day course, says Mr Nožka, sees the following:
“Basically you see the process from the beginning from the adding of malt to brewing, a process of about ten hours. I explain the theory including ingredients, what hops are used, why the beer is brewed at certain temperatures. It’s very basic, but by the end I think visitors have a good idea of how it’s done.”
Stanislav Nožka (right), photo: CTK
For those looking for a more comprehensive course, the pub offers that too
- in conjunction with Palacký University in Olomouc. Stanislav Nožka
continues:
“Some of those who come are amateurs but others are a bit more knowledgeable of the process, maybe having brewed beer in kits at home. They appreciate the fact they can be here all day and see the whole process. Two years ago we began cooperating with Palacký University: that course is a lot more in-depth: a lot more history and even a bit of bio-chemistry. But both courses give you the chance of trying to make your own beer.”
So far, 150 people have taken courses at the Olomouc venue, roughly a third of them women. According to the brewery, the courses have become popular as birthday gifts. Later, participants can of course return to try a pint of beer they helped make – bringing things full circle.