Brewery’s History

Mr. Archleb from Kunovice, the lord of Uherský Brod and Konopiště, guaranteed the privilege of brewing beer to the citizens of Benesov. This document from the year 1595 was a confirmation of common law and ensured that citizens could “Have black and wheat malt made and brew and sell black, old white and bitter beer” At first, people made their beer at home but later, especially in the 19th century, common civic breweries were built. It was the same in Benešov where the first civic brewery was built in 1872. The owner of the manor in Konopiště, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este bought this federal brewery from a join-stock company on 15th May 1897 for 91,000 gold coins.

The archduke owned two breweries, one in Konopiště and one in Benešov. In 1897 he built a new brewery factory. This building was made according to plans of the construction company Rosenberg from Jihlava and it was one of the most modern, technically and functionally equipped brewery in that time. Its capacity was 60 000 hectoliters and it became the basis of the present Ferdinand brewery in Benešov.

The character which Franz Ferdinand d'Este gave to this brewery in 1897 remains to this day. The same is also true of the method of brewing which has not changed in the last 100 years. It is a classical technology of opened lower fermentation and additional fermentation in lager cellars which is used in Czech areas and only in some Czech breweries. This makes it unique. Modern methods of brewing are never used by us, especially not cylindroid-cone-shaped tanks and the beer is not adulterated to the desired alcoholic strength with the help of an HGB system. Because of this procedure, the brewery differs from the others producers of “Euro beer“.

The brewing process follows the original formulas and the principle of using the highest quality raw materials – barley malt from our own malt plant, barley is bought from farmers in the areas surrounding Benešov. The hops are from Žatec. They are unique for their characteristics – particularly taste and smell. We have the same high quality demand of brewer's yeasts and water. The main philosophy of the brewery management is to brew the beer from the highest quality and best raw materials which are offered on the market because only this attitude ensures a unique taste and the sensory  characteristics of Benešov's beer. It is honest beer, typically Czech. The motto “real beer” is not just a phrase– it is a law for a malt plant and a brewing house, for all the employees from the brewer to the bottler. Thanks to their experience, the fame of 100-year-old technology and human skill can spread.

We believe we have chosen the right way and we thank you for joining us. Do not forget that real beer is malt, hops and water. Nothing more, nothing less. Typical Czech beer, unpasteurized, unadulterated, unhurried.

May the dear Lord provide us with fortune and cheers!