In addition, the organizers aimed to introduce newly established microbreweries from various regions of the Czech Republic to Prague residents. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was held in the same location, again after three years.
As in every year, a limited edition of the festival beer was available for tasting in the amount of 500 liters, this time named with the poetic name Vltavský hausbót (Vltava Houseboat) – a special – 11% – semi-dark lager. 500 liters were brewed at Pivovar Krum Moravský Krumlov. This brewery (brewer MVDr. Radek Nedopil, MBA) was voted the most popular brewery in the 9th edition in 2019. There was also great interest among festival visitors in the Festival Beer Coaster of the same name.
The tasting festival exclusively of Czech mini and microbreweries on the Rašínovo nábřeží riverbank took place for the tenth time this year, thus celebrating a small jubilee. Whether its visitors and especially the microbreweries were “hungry” for participation here is difficult to estimate. The fact is that it was held this time during a period of unprecedented high inflation (16%), logically also at a higher beer price. The price of a 0.3 l stein for draught beer or 10% or 11% beer ranged from 40–50 Czech crowns. For higher degree beers or specials, it was even higher. Unfortunately, this year’s entire two-day event was affected by high summer temperatures. Especially on Saturday, the temperature in the area reached up to 35°–37°C. 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. This is why a glass beer stein is included in the entrance fee, which further enhances the culture of tasting. 200 specials from fifty-two Czech microbreweries, plus the festival beer, 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. In the warm weather, a varied assortment of lemonades, made directly by the participating breweries, was also welcome. The unpleasant heat was mitigated by the nearby surface of the Vltava River. The “Pivo na Náplavce” festival does not aim to compare its focus and execution with other festivals held in the same year in Prague. Its focus on mini and microbreweries and the consumption of beer from 0.3 l glass steins is a significant distinction from some of them. The festival also differs from others by providing space for beer souvenir collectors, by serving beer brewed in a limited quantity just for this occasion, and by having rich gastronomy. The live performances of several music bands also contributed to the satisfaction of the visitors.
Key Details
- Edition: X. (Small Jubilee)
- Date: June 17 and 18, 2022
- Location: Rašínovo nábřeží, i.e., the Vltava riverbank – the area between Palacký Bridge and Railway Bridge in Prague 2
- Organizer: Archetyp, z. s.
- Goals: To introduce interested individuals to the production of mini and micro breweries, offer contact with owners/brewers, present newly established breweries. First edition after a three-year break due to covid.
- Attendance: approx. 7,000
- Participants: 52 Czech microbreweries, 200 specials.
- Festival Beer: Vltavský hausbót (Vltava Houseboat) – special – 11% semi-dark lager (500 liters, brewed by Pivovar Krum Moravský Krumlov, most popular brewery of 2019).
- Edition Specifics: Held during a period of high inflation (16%), higher beer prices (40-50 CZK/0.3l for standard beers), severe summer heat (up to 37°C). The proximity of the Vltava River helped mitigate the heat.
- Festival Concept: Tasting-focused, emphasizing the cultural level of drinking from a 0.3l glass stein (included with entry).
- Distinctions from other festivals: Focus on mini/microbreweries, 0.3l glass steins, space for collectors, limited festival beer, rich gastronomy.
- Offerings: Varied gastronomy, assortment of lemonades from breweries.
- Accompanying Program: Live performances by several music bands.
