Beer Academy Course at the Budvar Brewery, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, 2009

Date: 21st to 23rd April, 2009

The Beer Academy, in conjunction with Budvar UK, is holding its first one-day Foundation Course outside the UK at the home of the Budvar Brewery in the Czech Republic, as guests of the Brewery.

Course Outline:

Accommodation:

Your Hotel - The Maly Pivovar - www.malypivovar.cz/en

The building of the Malý Pivovar Hotel conceals the secret of the production of world-famous Budějovice's beer which contributes to the rich town's history.

Beer has been brewed here since the middle ages and a unique atmosphere of the house is transferred to the present image of the Hotel which represents the Budějovický Budvar Company as well as the town Českæcopy; Budějovice. Guests can enjoy all the year round comfort and high-class accommodation in the most beautiful area of Českæcopy; Budějovice. All rooms include a bathroom and WC and they are equipped with a minibar, a satellite TV and a direct telephone extension and internet connection.

What's Included:

The final cost per person (excluding air fare) for this three day/two night tour will be £189.00 twin-share or £222.00 single occupancy and includes:-

- Two nights B&B in a 4* hotel.
- Two evening meals.
- The full day brewing course and materials etc.
- All beer tasting samples.
- Hosted brewery lunch.
- Return transfers between Prague airport and hotel.
- Service and VAT.
- Services of an experienced, qualified BA lecturer throughout.
- Services of Crookham Travel courier throughout.

If you would like to attend this once in a life time trip then please download the booking form below TODAY to reserve your place!

An insight into the Budvar Brewery:

The Czech Republic Budvar, jealous of its reputation as the brewery that spares no pains to ensure its beer reaches the drinker in perfect condition, restricts the distribution of this un-pasteurised beer that only has a 30 day life, to no more than 50 outlets. All have been chosen for the quality of their cellar and dispense management and any that don't continue to come up to Budvar's rigorous criteria are likely to find themselves de-listed. The initial brewing process for Budvar's Yeast Lager is the same as Budvar's classic Original. Both have an ABV of 5 and are brewed from the same local natural ingredients; the ice-age water, the whole hops and the Moravian barley malt and a 90 day fermentation period. The two beers diverge when rings, or living yeast cells are added to the Yeast Lager when the fermentation cycle is at its high point. After kegging (the only format in which this beer is offered) a further level of fermentation takes place, which according to Budvar's head brewer, Josef Tolar, results in "an enhanced sensory quality and higher biological value".

This means, he says, that the beer has a high content of amino-acids and B complex vitamins. It also contains a higher ratio of high-molecular proteins creating a strong fullness of flavour.

"I would describe the flavour as strong up to very strong" says Tolar adding that beer lovers will also enjoy the light flavour and aroma of the yeast. "The foam is very compact and stable. This beer is golden-yellow in colour and the presence of yeast causes it to be non-sparkling but with a light opalescence" he says.

The best chance of making a further acquaintance with this beer will be by joining the Beer Academy's first off-shore course to be held outside of the UK at the Budweiser Budvar brewery on the 21st - 23rd April 2009. If you would like to attend this once in a life time trip then please download a booking form below.

If you have any questions then please contact Dan Cannas on +44 (0)207 290 6087 or by email dan.cannas@ibd.org.uk.