Pivovar Samson - 1795

Pivovar Samson 1795 Lager carries more than two centuries of brewing heritage. Founded in 1795, Samson is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating breweries, firmly rooted in the traditions that made Czech lagers famous. Pouring a bright golden hue with a soft white head, this lager reveals aromas of freshly baked bread, biscuit malt, and delicate herbal hops. On the palate, it strikes a perfect balance between light malt sweetness and noble hop bitterness, delivering a crisp, clean, and refreshing character with a slightly dry, lingering finish. Revered for its smooth drinkability, Samson 1795 represents the elegance and restraint that define true Czech pilsners. Its versatile style makes it a natural partner at the table: pair it with grilled white fish, roast chicken, or fresh salads for a light match, or enjoy it alongside sausages, schnitzel, or roasted vegetables to echo its malty depth and herbal freshness. For a casual pairing, it’s equally satisfying with a soft pretzel or mild cheese, where its balanced bitterness cuts through richness. A timeless example of Bohemian brewing, Samson 1795 Lager is both a refreshing everyday pint and a living piece of beer history.

České Budějovice, the largest city in South Bohemia, is among the historical epicenters of Czech brewing tradition. Known as Budweis in German, the city can date its brewing history as far back as the rule of the Czech “Iron and Golden King” Přemysl Otakar II in 1265. Various disputes, alliances, and political struggles among competing brewing interests occurred over the next few hundred years until, in 1795, the Administration Budweiser Bürgerbräu was formed to control the city’s main brewing enterprises. This was the dawn of the brewery we know today as Samson. The organization ultimately became a private brewing company in 1871, and it was during that decade that the brewery became the official supplier to the court of the German Württemberg kings under Wilhelm II.

It was around this time, as well, that pilsner beer (named after the Bohemian city of Plzeň) began sweeping the world. Anheuser-Busch introduced their take on pilsner beer in America under the name Budweiser as a nod to the Czech origins of the style. Unsurprisingly, Budweiser Bürgerbräu would also sell beer known as Budweiser, as would another Budweis brewery named Budvar. At the time it didn’t matter; the American and Central European markets were thousands of miles away. But in the 20th century, conflict over the brand names would ultimately force agreements among the breweries regarding where they could market their respective beers under the Budweiser name.

In 1945, during World War II, Budweiser Bürgerbräu (then under the occupying Germans’ control) was damaged by Allied bombings. Following the war, the brewery was repaired but, like other breweries throughout Czechoslovakia, fell into restrictive communist state-run control. Luckily, the fall of the communist government led to the privatization of the brewery once more, and a decade of modernization and expansion was launched in the early 1990s. Now operating under the name Pivovar Samson, which it adopted in 1960, the brewery offers an array of authentic lager beers throughout the Czech Republic. We’re excited to bring you one of these excellent brews this month.