PIVOVAR KONRAD VRATISLAVICE, HOLS A.S. BEER

Pivovar Konrad Vratislavice, Hols a.s.
Brewing in Liberec dates back to June 1560. Production volumes and hygiene were regulated even then, and the industry experienced periods of growth and decline over the following centuries. By the second half of the 19th century, demand from the town and neighbouring settlements, as well as exports, encouraged the search for a new brewery site outside the centre. Good transport connections and a suitable water source led to the choice of a location near Vratislavice.

Construction of the brewery began in spring 1873. Its official opening took place on 22 January 1874, with malt produced at the plant presented at the event.

By the end of 1874, the brewery had produced 34,680 hectolitres of beer, which was already popular in Vienna.

In 1875, beer consumption in Bohemia fell sharply. A shortage of hops and higher hop prices made beer more expensive, reducing demand until 1880. A decision to stop brewing and close the plant was made in April 1877. In 1879, however, shareholders sought permission to brew 48,080 hectolitres the following year, and local entrepreneurs bought the brewery in 1880 to restart production.  
A new stage of development followed. By 1885, the brewery was producing more than 60,000 hectolitres annually, and within two years Vratislavice ranked second among the largest breweries in Bohemia. Modernisation began in 1890, including a railway connection, larger storage facilities and new equipment. Emperor Franz Joseph I visited on 1 October 1891 and presented an award recognising the quality of its beer.

By the end of 1896, the Vratislavice brewery was producing more than 131,000 hectolitres of beer, while malt production had reached 10,000 tonnes.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Vratislavice brewery faced growing competition from small estate breweries. Its equipment and the quality of its beer helped it compete successfully.

Despite major world events and periods of growth and decline, the Vratislavice brewery continued to develop. Konrad remains associated with the Czech brewing tradition.  
InterBeer commissions the brewery to produce its Reichenberger and Stary Krumlov brands for the Russian market. 

 

Official brewery website: http://pivo-konrad.cz/