Beer Velkopopovitsky Kozel is the most popular Czech beer brand outside the country of its historical origin. It, of course, could not stand the competition with German or Belgian. But in the east direction from the Czech Republic, this beer surely conquers the hearts (and stomachs) of fans of the intoxicated drink. And it is not surprising that Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Ukraine, and after them, Russia are buying a license to manufacture this SABMiller sales leader. What kind of beer is this - Velkopopovitsky Goat? Does cattle have anything to do with a foamy drink ? An interesting history of this brand of beer, as well as its taste characteristics, read in this article.
How a famous brand was born
There is in the Central Bohemian Region, not very far from the capital of the state of Prague, a small town called Velké Popovice. The first documented mention of it dates back to the 14th century. And the Popovice brewery is two hundred years younger than the town. That is, it appears in historical documents as early as the 16th century - a term worthy of respect. At that time, the browner belonged to the Hisrl family. After the devastating Thirty Years War, the brewery went to the Church, and since the end of the 18th century it has repeatedly changed owners. In 1870, it was bought by Frantisek Ringofer, mayor of the town of Smikhov. He modernized the brewery and four years later began to produce a new brand - “Velkopopovitsky Goat”. It is difficult now to say what influenced the name. Perhaps this is the rare case when an advertisement forms a name. A visiting painter from France, having tasted beer, depicted a product logo on a wave of inspiration, on which a goat with a mug flaunted. But still the goats also did not remain idle. Several animals are kept in the brewery as a living product logo. The Czech loved the drink so much that classical literature mentions the Velkopopovitsky Kozla. The brave soldier Schweik greatly appreciated his qualities. Every year on the first Saturday of June, innkeeper competitions are held. This holiday is called “Goat Day”.
The latest brand history
Before World War I, the Popovice plant produced over 90 thousand hectoliters of beer. The occupation of the Sudetenland and the building of socialism in Czechoslovakia negatively affected the quality of the brewery. In 1992, the plant became free from state control. The status of the brewery has changed. It is a manufacturing company with a registered capital of CZK 625 million . Since the factory carefully cherished the traditions of making this brand of drink, it quickly regained popularity. Already in 1994, production volumes of this brand amounted to 931 thousand hectoliters. A year later, the stock company Radegast Brewery bought the successful company in order to produce Velkopopovitsky Kozel. The producer owns twenty percent of the shares in the Czech beer market. This brand is produced not only at Velkopopovicky pivovar, but also at the Pilsen Holiday.
Awards
Since 1995, this brand has repeatedly received gold awards at world competitions in the category of Pilsner bottom-fermented beer. But Velkopopovitsky Goat is famous for not only medals. Thanks to an interesting, memorable advertisement, the drink fell in love in Russia. The writer Vladimir Yatskevich created the first two videos - “Mug” and “Monk”. Thus, he simply condemned this brand of beer to success. But, honestly, one must admit, no matter how well thought out the advertising campaign, and if the product is poor, it will not create popularity for him. The secret of Velkopopovitsky beer is in uniquely soft and tasty water that pours from local wells. Therefore, the product that is licensed in Russia is clearly losing the original. The real, authentic "Goat" has won more than twenty awards at international competitions. But on a Russian bottle (the content of which is a degree weaker) it even means bashfully: “Beer product”.
Types of "Velkopopovitsky Goat"
This brand is one of the most popular in the Czech Republic. Therefore, it would be strange if it remained simply classical, without varieties. Now the concern produces four types of this brand. Light beer is close to the original classic. It has a light citrus flavor. The foam is thick, medium. This variety will appeal to those who ... do not like beer. The bitterness is only slightly guessed, due to the selected blend of the drink surprisingly mild taste. Alcohol in it is exactly four percent. Medium is significantly stronger (4.6 degrees). This variety is also light, bitter, with a pronounced taste of malt. The rich taste of Premium will conquer anyone. It is this sort of Velkopopovický Kozel that won the gold medal at the world championship in 1997 in Chicago. This beer is drunk easily, but do not get carried away: it contains 4.8%. It is worth noting the "Velkopopovitsky Goat Dark." In fact, this drink has a ruby color. The low (3.2%) alcohol content and mild caramel flavor made this brand beloved by the fair sex.
Velkopopovitsky Goat: price
How do users rate the cost of a product? Compared to domestic brands of beer, a half-liter bottle of Velkopopovitsky Kozel looks more expensive. Even a jar costs sixty rubles. And this is not original, but licensed. But, according to reviews, the quality is worth the price. If you can choose between licensed drinks, try the Ukrainian product. For him, hops are imported from the Czech Republic, water is specially purified from mineral additives to soften the taste, and malt is taken the best, which is only grown in Galicia. But, of course, it is best to enjoy the "Velkopopovitsky Goat" original and preferably on the spot. There are a lot of bars in the Czech Republic where you can get live beer in a mug.
Reviews
Of the advantages of the Velkopopovitsky Kozel beer brand, users noted that it is not bitter. The only exception is the Medium, in which this taste is more distinctly felt. The aroma is full, full. Low price and decent quality of the product bring this beer to the first positions in the sales rating. The drink is available both in glass containers and in aluminum cans. From time to time, the manufacturer announces the shares - and they are really “without cheating” - you can win a prize. Ladies leave especially many praise - mostly about the dark, but they speak favorably about other varieties. The drink is easy to drink, it is pleasant to seize it with chips or something salty. Doesn't hit my head. In short, the perfect choice for a picnic or a trip to the bathhouse.