Zhatecky Gusak beer: history, types and brief reviews
The popular Russian lager "Zatecky Gus" has generated a lot of rumors and caused several scandals in its short history. The fact is that the original name of the brand contains a reference to Czech brewing, with which the domestic brand has nothing to do.
The small town of Žatec, located 60 km from Prague, is famous for its millennial traditions of barley alcohol production, and the beverage produced by Baltika and other Carlsberg Group breweries is made using local technologies and raw materials.
However, the Russian company is actively exploiting the pseudo-Czech origin of the lager, misleading consumers and causing justified indignation among foreign brewers.
History of Zhatecky Gusak beer
The first bottle of light Žatecký was produced in 2009 at one of the breweries owned by the Carlsberg Group. Soon the lineup was expanded to include dark and unfiltered beer.
A little later, the company launched production of similar drinks in Ukraine and Belarus, and organized the production of a non-alcoholic version of the product.
The advertising campaign launched to promote the new brand was based on the legend of an unusual goose that helps brewers select first-class hops for the production of alcohol. The connection between the drink and the "best Czech traditions" was emphasized in every possible way.
Important to know:
A website dedicated to "Žatecký" beer was registered in the CZ zone. It is noteworthy that the resource is fully Russian-language.
The name of the product uses the letters "ž" and "ý", characteristic of the Czech language, and the bottle bears the inscription "Tradiční světlé pivo". However, the word "Gus" in the name is completely fictitious. The Czech name of the poultry is translated as "husa" or "huser".
The commercials often feature views of the ancient city of Žatec, known not only for its ancient brewing traditions but also for one of the world's best hop varieties. This ingredient is the only type of Czech raw material in the drink's recipe.
The main character of the famous brand's commercials is the cheerful brewer Pan Hus, who usually appears in the frame hugging a "reaper" goose. The label of the light lager features an image of pre-war Königsberg.
The producers of the beverage have repeatedly applied to Rospatent to register the trademark, but all requests have been rejected. The agency's specialists justified their decision by the lack of connection between the brand name and the Czech city of Zatec, the use of which in the name could mislead consumers.
Interestingly, the appearance of the Goose in Czech stores caused a storm of indignation among locals. Representatives of the brewers' association accused the manufacturer of stealing the "Czech identity" and using "dirty marketing techniques".
Types of beer Zatec goose
The beer, brewed according to Baltika's original recipe, contains purified water, barley, malt and malt extract in addition to the famous Zatec hops. The line includes the following drinks:
Beer Žatecký Gus Světlý (Light Beer)
A classic golden yellow filtered lager with aromas of grain, malt, caramel and hops.
Goes well with Asian dishes, meat and spicy snacks, poultry, cheeses.
Taste: fresh, light, sweetish, with hints of herbs, pastries, fruits, flowers, corn, spices, and a subtle bitterness.
Strength: 4,6%.
Beer Žatecký Gus Černý (Dark Beer)
A dark brown filtered beer made from 3 types of malt: light, caramel and burnt.
Recommended for serving with German and Latin American cuisine, smoked and fried meat.
Aroma: rich, with tones of roasted grains, dried fruits and bread.
Taste: smooth, balanced, slightly sweet, with notes of caramel, prunes, chocolate, mild bitterness.
Strength: 3,5-4,6%.
The Belarusian Alivaria also produces low-alcohol "Žatecký Gus Radler" with the addition of lemon and pomegranate juices. Strength 2.4%. Before tasting, it is recommended to cool drinks to 4-8 °C.
Update: 19.03.2019
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale