Velkopopovitsky Kozel beer: history, types and how to drink
A popular Russian foamy spirit with an unusual name has been produced for more than 200 years in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, which is famous for its glassware and culture.
The first part of the name of the famous beer is derived from the large village of Velke Popovice, where it is produced. The second name was given to the drink as a tribute to tradition: the goat has long been considered a local symbol of a strong barley product. Velkopopovice pilsner is the most famous Czech beer.
Czechs say that the Czech beer Velke Popovice has nothing to do with the Russian brand Velkopopovetsky Kozel. They even tried to sue them over the name. Therefore, you cannot put an equal sign between these two brands.
History of the Velkopopovitsky Kozel brand
The inhabitants of Wielkie Popovice have been brewing flavored alcohol since the XIV century. The distillery was founded here by Baron Francis Ringhoffer in 1870.
The first batch of beer under the famous brand was produced 4 years later - in 1874.
According to legend, a wandering French artist took part in the creation of the logo. Impressed by the local hospitality, a talented traveler presented the villagers with a drawing of a goat. Later it became a symbol of the brewery.
The Velkopopovický Kozel brand itself was registered only in 1922. That's when the legendary goat appeared on the bottle labels.
The company's representatives did not stop there and decided to bring a live representative of the cloven-hoofed animals to the brewery. A wayward goat named Olda settled at the brewery in 1938 and became its mascot. After a while, he was replaced by the next representative of the horned family. Since then, many generations of goats have lived at the brewery, and sculptures of the animals have decorated the brewery's territory.
The most famous embodiment of the first horned inhabitant of Olda is a huge wooden statue, near which local fans of the foamy beer like to gather.
In the 60s, as the popularity of the drink grew, the company launched the production of tank beer (beer that is delivered and stored in tanks/tanks right in the restaurant).
Czech manufacturers pay a lot of attention to the development of souvenirs. The most popular among tourists is the famous "horned pint", created with the participation of the artist Jan Čapek.
Types of Velkopopopovitsky Kozel beer
All drinks of the brand are produced from selected raw materials using bottom fermentation technology. Water is extracted from our own wells located on the territory of the brewery. Velkopopovitske is brewed according to traditional Czech recipes. The product line includes light and dark lagers:
Velkopopovický Kozel Světlý
Light beer with a bright golden hue, 4% strength. The most popular Czech lager. Taste: dry, smooth, with sweet malt tones, light bitterness, herbal and grain notes. The fragrance has accents of baking and bread. Rounded, pleasant aftertaste.
Velkopopovický Kozel Černý
Dark ruby-brown beer brewed from four types of malt. Strength: 3,8%. The aroma is characterized by coffee, caramel, bread and berry notes. Taste: soft, sweet, with tones of malt, cherry, chocolate, fresh pastries and nuts.
Velkopopovický Kozel 11
Light lager with a harmonious taste and delicate bitterness, brewed from three types of malt. Alcohol content: 4,6 %.
Kozel Mistrův ležák
Light full-bodied beer with a high proportion of caramel malts. Strength: 4,8%
Velkopopovický Kozel Řezaný 11
A special lager that combines the delicate bitter taste of light beer and caramel tones of black beer. Alcohol content: 4,8 %
Kozel Florián
Limited version of the "eleven": a semi-dark beer of a beautiful red hue that can be bought only in certain stores during a specific period of time. Strength: 4,8%.
In addition to the classic dark and light beers, the Russian retail network offers local versions of Czech beer:
"Premium" (4.6 %)
"Bohaty chmel (4.7%)
Unfiltered (4.9%)
Non-alcoholic (0.5%)
How to drink Velkopopopovitsky Kozel beer
Light beer goes well with fried and stewed meat, Asian cuisine.
German cuisine, smoked meats, game, roasts, ribs, appetizers with thick sauces, gingerbread are suitable for the dark beer.
Optimal serving temperature: 4-8 °C.
Update: 29.06.2022
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale