The Association of Beer Enthusiasts (Sdružení přátel piva, SPP) has announced the results of its annual competition for the best beers, breweries, and brewing personalities of the year, a tradition that dates back to 1990.
This year, the Bernard Brewery from Humpolec was once again crowned Brewery of the Year, marking the eighth time it has received this prestigious accolade. Bernard Brewery also excelled in two additional categories, winning with its pale ten and festive lager. The title of Microbrewery of the Year was awarded to the Strahov Brewery in Prague.
The competition is unique in being the oldest nationwide beer contest organized directly by consumers. Its evaluation system combines a public survey with an anonymous expert tasting. Beers that receive the highest number of votes in the survey move forward to a blind tasting by experts, which determines the final rankings.
Over the years, the competition has undergone slight modifications to reflect contemporary brewing trends. Beer categories have evolved, though the competition has not expanded significantly. Notable exceptions include the introduction of the Flying Brewer of the Year category in 2022 and the Microbrewery of the Year award.
Since 2002, the SPP has rotated its awards ceremonies across various regions and breweries. This year’s ceremony took place in Nepomuk, in the Pilsen Region, hosted by the Zlatá Kráva brewery. It marked the first time the event was held in this region, highlighting its importance as one of the Czech Republic’s key brewing hubs.
The final anonymous tasting of the highest-rated beers was conducted on 19 September 2024, at the Strahov Brewery. The session was led by Tomáš Maier, Ph.D., an expert taster, lecturer, and member of the Czech University of Life Sciences (ČZU).
Approximately 47% of SPP members participated in the voting for Beer of the Year, evaluating over 259 different beer brands.
Winner: Brewery and Beer of the Year 2024
Brewery of the year 2024
1. Rodinný pivovar Bernard
2. Pivovar KAMENICE NAD LIPOU
3. Únětický pivovar
Microbrewery of the year 2024
1. Pivovar Strahov
2. Pivovar Volt
3. Pivovar Ovipistán
Flying Brewer of the year 2024
1. Pivovar Chroust
2. Four Elements Brewery
3. Pivovar Hangár
Light draught beer
1. Bernard Desítka / Rodinný pivovar Bernard
2. Fabián 10 / Pivovar Hostomice
3. Únětické pivo 10° / Únětický pivovar
Pale lager
1. Sváteční ležák s jemnými kvasnicemi / Rodinný pivovar Bernard
2. Bad Flash Prostě Ležák 12°/ Pivovar BadFlash
3. Bernard Dvanáctka / Rodinný pivovar Bernard
Strong beer
1. F. L. Věk / Pivovar Rampušák
2. Uzený Bock bez kosti 16°/ Pivovar Mazák
3. AXIOM Gonza Pale Ale / Pivovar Axiom
Dark/semi-dark, bottom-fermented beer
1. Svatý Norbert Dark lager / Pivovar Strahov
2. Černý ležák s jemnými kvasnicemi / Rodinný pivovar Bernard
3. PRVNÍ DÁMA / Pivovar Ovipistán
Pale, top-fermented beer
1. Volt Baterka / Pivovar Volt
2. PRIMÁTOR IPA / Pivovar PRIMÁTOR
3. 14 Tractor IPA / Pivovar Zlatá kráva
Sour beer
1. Raspberry Sorbet / Pivovar Siberria
2. Tears of St. Laurent (2020) / Pivovar Wild Creatures
3. Ich Bin Ein Berliner / Pivovar MadCat
