Prague once again hosted the traditional Pinkasova Noční Můra beer race, in which participants had to tap ten Pilsner Urquell beers in the shortest possible time and carry them up 41 steps. This year’s competition, held for the 14th time at the U Pinkasů restaurant, was won by Jan Lukeš from the Na Markétě restaurant. In addition to speed, an expert jury also judged the quality of the beer served.
Karel Doubek, director of Adria – Neptun, the restaurant’s operator, emphasized the growing popularity of the competition, which honors the decades-long tradition of kegging beer.
The history of the U Pinkasů restaurant dates back to 1843, when Jakub Pinkas revolutionized the way beer was served. He introduced the tapping of Pilsner beer directly in the cellar, ensuring that guests always received fresh and cold beer.
The competition traditionally began at 1 p.m. with a qualifying round, followed by a final in which the 15 fastest competitors tested their skills. Václav Berka, head brewer emeritus of Plzeňský Prazdroj, emphasized the importance of correct pouring technique and the inspiration that U Pinkasů represents for beer culture.
The winner, Jan Lukeš, finished the race with an impressive time of 1:41:32. He expressed his excitement about his victory after the race and looked forward to the next edition of the competition. The main prize for the winner includes a voucher worth CZK 1,842 and a 50-litre keg of Pilsner Urquell beer. The winner’s name will also be immortalized on a leather apron listing the winners of previous years.
With an event like this, the Pinkasova Noční Můra is certainly one of the most original events in beer culture and once again demonstrates the Czechs’ close relationship with their national pride: beer.
