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Craft, Culture, and Czech Hops: American Brewer Makes His Mark in the Czech Beer Scene
An American brewer has become an unexpected star in the Czech Republic’s revered beer landscape. Eric Larkin, originally from the United States, co-founded a unique brewery in Únětice near Prague that’s drawing attention for its modern take on Czech traditions. Larkin’s approach blends Czech ingredients and brewing heritage with global creativity. His beers have not only earned praise among locals but have also reinvigorated the conversation around small-scale, high-quality brewing. As the Czech beer market slowly opens up to innovation, stories like Larkin’s reflect both opportunity and the enduring strength of the Czech brewing reputation. The presence of international talent also highlights the country’s appeal as a business and creative hub in the beverage sector.
Eric Larkin arrived in the Czech Republic with extensive experience in the U.S. craft beer industry, having brewed at renowned locations such as Modern Times in California. But it wasn’t until a chance trip to Prague that the seeds of a new venture were planted. Inspired by the quality of Czech ingredients and brewing methods, Larkin partnered with local brewer Michal Škoda to establish “Oddity Brewing.” What sets their project apart is the careful fusion of traditional Czech brewing processes with non-traditional beer styles, such as Saison or IPA, using Czech hops and water.
The brewery, located in a repurposed historical building in Únětice is small by Czech standards, producing about 500 liters (16,907 fl. oz) per batch. Despite its size, Oddity Brewing has quickly attracted attention from beer enthusiasts and restaurant owners across the country. Their focus on high-end ingredients, meticulous brewing practices, and unconventional flavor profiles taps into a growing market of Czech consumers who seek more than the standard 10° and 12° lagers - traditional styles equivalent to sessionable light lagers (~4% ABV) and fuller, stronger lagers (~5% ABV), respectively. Larkin’s perspective is bringing fresh ideas while still respecting local brewing culture.
Oddity Brewing also collaborates with Czech farmers and maltsters, ensuring its production supports the local economy. For example, their use of heritage barley varieties and locally sourced hops highlights Czech agricultural strengths in the global value chain. This tight integration with regional suppliers is a model for other foreign investors entering the Czech food and beverage sector. It demonstrates how international expertise can enhance local traditions and open new export avenues.
With Czech beer remaining a cornerstone of national identity and a respected export product, ventures like Oddity Brewing help to reframe what Czech beer can be. As Czech consumers develop more sophisticated palates and international markets look for authentic yet innovative European products, such microbreweries could play a role in the next phase of Czech beer exports.
Presented by the CzechTrade team in Chicago, USA
Source: https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/
