Our History

Where Tradition Began

Podkováň brewery (literally translates as a horseshoe) has been brewing beer using traditional methods for over 600 years since its establishment by monks in 1434.

The secret to Podkováň’s exceptional beer lies in its own natural 300-meter underground spring, which has been carefully maintained over the years to provide the highest quality water for the brewing process. The spring water is not filtered or chemically altered. The water is categorised as “children’s water” with the highest quality status. The brewery prides itself on its open bath preparation technique, which has been passed down through generations of brewers, giving Podkovan’s beer its unique and authentic Czech flavor.

Located in the Central Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, Podkováň brewery is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by natural beauty. The cold temperatures in this unique landscape allow the brewery to take advantage of the natural environment in the brewing process, which helps to preserve the unique characteristics of Podkováň’s beer.

The brewery’s chief brewer, Mr. Červený, has been honing his craft for over 25 years, bringing his expertise and knowledge to the brewing process to ensure that every batch of beer produced is of the highest quality. Podkováň’s dedication to tradition and quality has made it one of the few heritage breweries in the Czech Republic that remains faithful to traditional methods and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Our Brewery

The Podkováň Brewing Facility

Location and Scale

Just 60 km from Prague, near the hometown of Škoda in Mladá Boleslav, Podkováň Brewery spans 5 hectares, with 2 hectares dedicated to production. Its historical capacity reaches 300,000 hectoliters (30 million liters) per year.

Unique Water Source

The brewery relies on the same 300-meter underground spring, one of only four in the Czech Republic classified as children’s water.

Traditional Brewing Method

Podkováň specializes in lager beer, crafted with the open bath method. Each batch undergoes natural cold fermentation and takes around 40 days to mature.

Guided by Expertise

Under the leadership of Mr. Červený, the brewery successfully combines heritage brewing techniques with modern innovations, ensuring Podkováň remains one of the premier Czech heritage breweries for generations to come.

Innovation and Modernisation

Since 2023, the brewery has been investing in technological upgrades, while preserving traditional methods. Today, Podkováň beer is available in aluminum cans, PET bottles, kegs, and petainers to meet global market demands.

A Legacy Since 1434

Our Team

The Expertise Behind Podkováň Brewing

MR. ČERVENÝ

CHIEF BREWER

As the Head Brewer of Podkováň Brewery, Mr. Červený brings not only technical expertise, but also a deep respect for brewing traditions that span centuries. With more than 25 years of experience in the Czech brewing industry, his knowledge and craftsmanship form the backbone of the brewery’s reputation for producing authentic, high-quality lager.

His role goes far beyond brewing itself. Mr. Červený is closely involved in the daily operations of the brewery, overseeing every stage of production — from the selection of raw materials to the final quality check of each batch. This hands-on approach ensures that every beer leaving Podkováň maintains the consistency, balance, and distinctive taste that the brewery is known for.

At the same time, he is a creator and innovator. In addition to preserving traditional open-fermentation methods, Mr. Červený actively develops new recipes and experiments with modern brewing techniques. This combination of tradition and innovation allows Podkováň Brewery to meet the evolving tastes of today’s customers while staying true to its heritage.

What makes his work stand out is not only skill, but passion. For Mr. Červený, brewing is more than a profession — it is a craft and a calling. That dedication is reflected in every glass of Podkováň beer, where centuries-old traditions meet modern precision and care.