Czech it out – Burleigh Brewing teams up with Budvar for an Australian-first lager
Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Burleigh Brewing has teamed up with none other than the Czech Republic’s world-famous Budějovický Budvar to create a brand-new Czech-style lager called Czech Mates – and it’s a first for Australia.
When it comes to beer, the Czechs are true experts – they’re among the biggest beer drinkers in the world, polishing off an average of 5.5 half-litre bottles each week. So when they handpick a Gold Coast brewery to collaborate with, you know it’s a big deal. That’s why it’s such an honour for Burleigh Brewing to be chosen for an historic, Australian-first lager.
Brewed locally at Burleigh Brewing’s state-of-the-art facility, the new Czech Mates lager is made using the traditional Czech method of double decoction mashing and matured for up to eight weeks. The result is a beautifully balanced beer that’s the perfect blend of Czech tradition and Australian craftsmanship. “What an incredible honour to be chosen by Budvar to produce a beer worthy of both our names,” says Burleigh Brewing co-founder Peta Fielding. “I can’t wait for everyone to try Czech Mates.”
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But Czech Mates isn’t just about the type of beer – it’s about how you drink it, too. Enter the mliko, a traditional Czech pour that’s (wait for it) almost all foam. It might look like a mistake at first, but the fine, creamy head brings out unexpected sweetness – like “drinking a glass of liquid dessert,” according to Peta. Not feeling quite that daring? You can also try a šnyt (two fingers of beer, three fingers of foam) or the hladinka (a classic Czech pour with about one-third foam). Each pour brings a different flavour profile to the beer, showing off the versatility of this expertly crafted lager.
To celebrate the launch, Burleigh Brewing is encouraging beer fans to get adventurous with their pours. “It’s a chance for Australians to experience beer the way the Czech masters have enjoyed it for centuries,” Peta says. The team even travelled to the Czech Republic to immerse themselves in Budvar’s heritage before bringing this collaboration to life – a testament to just how seriously they’ve taken the project.
The best part? Czech Mates is now part of Burleigh Brewing’s core range, meaning you don’t have to wait for a limited release to get your hands on it. You’ll find it pouring fresh at Burleigh Brewing’s taphouse and rolling out to bottle shops nationally, so you can enjoy a taste of the Czech Republic, Gold Coast-style. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just love trying something new, this is one brew you’ll want to raise a glass to. You’ll find it on tap now at Burleigh Brewing.