In addition, the organizers aimed to introduce newly established microbreweries from various regions of the Czech Republic to Prague residents.
Much changes in Prague continuously. Some for the better, some less so. What has greatly changed after decades is the use of the Prague riverbank (Náplavka). In the past, rafts and ships docked on the riverbank, unloading sand here… On the frozen Vltava… In the area between Palacký Bridge and the Railway Bridge, the farmers’ market has contributed most to the significant transformation. Especially in recent years, this place has become a favorite spot for Prague residents and tourists alike. Among the equally popular events held here are thematic events. One of them is the tasting festival of small and mini Czech breweries “Pivo na Náplavce”. This year, Rašínovo nábřeží “turned golden” with the golden drink festival for the fifth time. According to the Minister of Agriculture Marian Jurečka, who together with the Deputy Mayor of Prague 2 Jan Korseska granted the event patronage, this was a unique opportunity to support the currently very popular small breweries that brew original and special beers. The purpose of this event was also to support Czech food products and their producers.
The “Pivo na Náplavce” festival has been conceived as a tasting festival since its beginning. By this, its organizers mainly want to express that not only wine, but also beer can be tasted, it can be given proper attention and a higher cultural level, which it certainly deserves. 200 specials from more than fifty small Czech breweries and microbreweries, plus the festival beer, guided tours of the only boat brewery in the country, a varied offer of Czech and international cuisine, and last but not least, music performed by progressive and interesting live music formations, all of this was available to several thousand domestic and foreign visitors.
Lovers of Czech lager as well as enthusiasts of top-fermented beers like ale, stout, wheat, and many others found something to enjoy. While some beers were captivating just by their name (Alík, Letní bikiny, Mušák, Nachmelená opice, Plešoun, Prewit, or Trumpova vlna), others were more interesting by their composition - brewing method (beer with squid ink, beer aged on dried fruit macerated in Caribbean Abuelo rum, or a wheat special with hibiscus flower and lemongrass) or an interesting story (e.g., Liberbeer, a beer brewed only two years ago by the Free Republic of Liberland). Gentlemen did not disdain beer with chili or smoked meat flavor, while ladies, for a change, might enjoy beers with blueberry, grapefruit, plum, and vanilla flavors. Gluten-free drinkers were also catered for, with bottled Celia beer available in light and dark variants, and non-alcoholic Střízlík was also present. In the warm weather, a varied assortment of lemonades, made directly by the participating breweries, was also welcome - from classic lemonade with raspberry syrup to elderflower, blackcurrant, strawberry, lavender, cherry, and ginger, up to unusual malt lemonade.
Key Details
- Edition: VI. (V. on Náplavka)
- Date: June 16 and 17, 2017 (Friday 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Location: Rašínovo nábřeží, i.e., the Vltava riverbank – the area between Palacký Bridge and Railway Bridge (on Saturday also beyond the Railway Bridge together with the farmers’ market) in Prague 2
- Organizer: Archetyp, z. s.
- Goals: To introduce interested individuals to the production of small Czech breweries, offer contact with owners/brewers, present newly established breweries. Support Czech food and producers.
- Participants: 54 breweries, more than 200 beer specials.
- Festival Beer: Vltavské Ouško (Vltava Ear) (limited edition 500 liters, distinctively bitter ten-degree lager, cold-hopped, brewed by Rodinný pivovar Krušnohor in Kraslice).
- Festival Concept: Tasting-focused, emphasizing the cultural level of drinking beer. Support for small breweries and regional products.
- Offerings: Festival beer, guided tours of the boat brewery, varied gastronomy, wide range of beer styles and unusual flavors (e.g., squid ink, rum-aged fruit, chili, smoked meat, fruit flavors), gluten-free and non-alcoholic beer, wide assortment of lemonades from breweries (including elderflower, blackcurrant, strawberry, lavender, cherry, ginger, malt).
- Patronage: Minister of Agriculture Marian Jurečka and Deputy Mayor of Prague 2 Jan Korseska.
- Accompanying Program: Live music performances, coinciding with the farmers’ market on Saturday.
- Attendance: Several thousand domestic and foreign visitors (exact estimate not provided in the text).
