Chodovar Brewery - Chodova Plana CR

I was able to do a tour of this brewery while I was in Marianske Lazne. It is such a charming brewery, I really enjoyed my time there, as well as my time tasting at the end of the tour:) Following is a short description from the Brewery! Also, check out their website www.chodovar.cz

"The family brewery in Chodova Plana was built on ancient cellars cut in granite massif. The origin of the cellars is connected with the beginning of a little local castle. That time is also linked with a tale about the dog Albi, which found a well with a plentiful spring of water in the neighborhood of the castle. Dog Albi has been considered a good spirit of the local brewery cellars for centuries. Thus the dog's picture was also decorating the emblem of the local malting guild for a long time. Based on an old brewery tradition, the end of work in the cellars was always accompanied by a traditional ritual. When leaving, the youngest apprentice had to prepare a jug of beer and pour it into Albi's bowl. This should have ensured the dog's favour so as to bring good luck and protect the old ale brewers.

After the Cheb region had been annexed to the Czech Kingdom by Jan Lucembursky in 1322, the little castle lost its importance and gradually expired. The abandoned rocky area and the spring became an impulse for brewing. The oldest written document about the local brewery dates back to 1573 when the brewery was owned by aristocratic family of the Sliks.

After the Second World War the ancient history of the brewery almost fell into oblivion and the emblem of the town of Chodova Plana (a white lion with a royal banner on a red field) was used in the emblem of the brewery for many years instead.

Since May 2000 the unique brewery premises of rock cellars have been opened up. There is a traditional beerhouse and a museum. On this occasion, the symbol of the patron of local brewery, white dog Albi, returned to the emblem of the brewery."

I have to say I loved this tour so much. You can see what a rich history the location has and the beer itself is wonderful! I think being a beer maker is my next calling... You never know!