The days before I left Prague earlier this week… They were as gloomy and gray as in my latest short story. The sky looked as if the titanic hands you’ve maybe read about could appear at any moment. Luckily, the laws of physics kept things in order, no apocalypse in sight. And I decided to visit a microbrewery I haven’t blogged about yet, as a farewell to my hometown. And a cure for the gloom, greatly enhanced by the fact that my love wasn’t around these past few days.
This time, it was a fleeting fancy. No hike, or even a stroll. No other intention than to have a few nice pints, and perhaps some decent food without having to whip it up myself. I wasn’t really in the mood for ordering in either. A metro ride across the city, and then a twenty-minute walk to the place; that was just what I needed after being exposed to that gloominess for several days. To read, relax, and perhaps soak up inspiration for this post. It worked great.
Malešický Microbrewery is one of dozens of family-run places that revive traditions. Once an inn in the village called Malešice several kilometers beyond the Old Prague city walls, and on the route to Kutná Hora, this very building sheltered riders and striders alike. Horses rested in the adjacent stables. Did the innkeepers of the past brew beer? Allegedly. According to their successors, although we might well doubt it. The right to brew beer was not granted to everyone back in those times.
(via the official website)
An old photo on the official website, likely from the 1920s, suggests the establishment offered Kozel. Worry not, while this very beer is only good for cooking in the modern era, it might have been worth drinking back then!
The vibe definitely reflects the original purpose of this building, combining a modern touch with typical wooden décor of old inns. Yet the wayfarers, merchants, or vagrants seeking their fortune in Prague no longer bustle at the tables. The upper floor has been repurposed as a lounge for private parties, weddings and similar events. If you arrived on horseback, your horse would be taken care of.
It’s very much a locals’ place now. On that Sunday afternoon, the guests were mainly accompanied by dogs, who drew more attention from the waiters than their thirsty humans. No kidding, the staff knows that dogs have to feel welcome in an establishment of this kind, so that their owners become regulars. It’s a great deal all around: the human gets a pint as a reward for the walk, and the dog won’t snitch to their partner that this outing included an extra pit stop.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to bark to be served, even though it looked like only the furry guests were worth the waiters’ attention. I didn’t mind much anyway, seated comfortably, reading, and enjoying the place.
Beers
And now, finally, for the beers. As the microbrewery is truly micro, only two of the ten taps were house brews. The others offered beers from partner breweries. Quite naturally, I sampled both house ones, and the most unique brew on the menu as the final drink of the evening.
11° American Pale Ale
A typical fragrant ale true to the style, with dominant grapefruit notes, although the bitterness only appeared in the aroma and on the initial taste. Then there was a fruity shift towards mandarins, a bit candy-like I dare say. Perhaps a tad too candy-like for my mood that day, but quite a refreshing brew for summer I assume.
12° Bohemian Lager
An old-fashioned lager, the kind you might be served about a century ago. Bready, yeasty body of moderate bitterness. Definitely fitting the vibe of this brewery. Not particularly fitting my mood either, but I credit that to the mood rather than to the beer itself.
Krystus; Non-alcoholic IPA by Clock
I’ve heard rumors about this non-alcoholic IPA. And as I am not a huge fan of bottled or canned beer, as draft is always better, it was my lucky third pick. Very fruity, with a wide range of acidic notes, yet surprisingly mild when it comes to bitterness (IBU just 30!). I particularly enjoyed the herbal aftertaste, although I would not expect it in an IPA. Not sure about the result here, though. I am quite baffled, not really an IPA to me, but perhaps there’s no real way to brew this style in a decent non-alcoholic manner.
I’d love to invite 