European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 12, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Chimney like Copper vats line a Section of the Pilsner a quell brewery in Pilsen Czechoslovakia. By Randy Pruitt staff writer the Man died in 1953, but his reputation lives on at the Pilsner a quell brewery in Pilsen Czechoslovakia. He is remembered for his Gargantuan size and his consumption of Beer. The Man worked deep in the Bane chilling Limestone cellars of a brewery that also has gained a reputation. In some circles the Golden Beer brewed in the Bohemian City is considered the Best in the world. Quaffing the somewhat bitter tasting suds is a Way of life in Czechoslovakia. More foreigners Are discovering Why As the Beer s popularity grows. Last year 125 million liners 32.5 million Gallons of this Pale Golden brew were produced. About 60 per cent was exported to 72 countries. Canada and the United states purchased the most followed by Belgium Italy and Hungary. In 1989, the company netted 80 million czech Koruna $3.2 million at current Exchange rate sup 30 million Koruna $1.2 million from 1988. With the recent opening of the Borders of the former communist country business is expected to improve. Age old Beer making techniques utilizing locally grown Barley and hops Are Likely to remain the same however. The Quot All of 12 recipe Quot still prevails. Drones a guide Quot twelve Days fermentation 12 weeks in the lager barrels 12 months guarantee 12 crowns for one . Much of the work is done by the 80-meter deep Artesian Wells and the Limestone cellars. In the cavernous basement of the brewery 1,600 ponderous Oak barrels keep the Hoppy tasting brew at a temperature of 4 to 5 degrees centigrade 39 to 41 degrees fahrenheit. Masters still use candlelight to test the finished product for clarity. Today More Beer is brewed in one Day by 547 Blue Collar workers than in the entire year after the brewery opened in 1842. The operation near downtown Pilsen is now spread Over a 130-acre area that includes a restaurant and bottling Plant. A tour of the brewery is unspectacular since groups Are limited to the Section that houses the 18 Copper Kellos where Barley and cold water Are made into malt. The sound track of an English language film is muddled and difficult to understand. Employees accustomed to working under the communist government still regard visitors with suspicion. Photos Are discouraged a Glass of Beer at the end of the tour is the highlight. But things Are changing and the brewery is gearing up to Export More of its famed product. The business is taking advantage of an intensive University program designed to teach English to certain workers. Meanwhile it is obvious that czechs particularly Pils Eners Are proud of their Beer making reputation. Quot the brewery will be 150 years old in 1992, when we have that anniversary there won t be any water in the town Only Beer Quot joked one worker. Incidentally the Man who loaded up on All the Beer did t die from partaking too much alcohol. It was from overeating fellow workers say. July 12, 1990 stripes Magazine