Gumpoletsky brewery from the beginning of the 90s began to produce the hoppy drink Bernard. It took the company only 10 years to turn the local beer into a famous brand. Today, Bernard is loved and appreciated by most Russian consumers, and here's why.
Market success
Bernard beer has been on the Russian market for a long time, but at first the Russian Tradition company was engaged in its implementation. However, soon the rights passed to the Moscow brewery. It is worth noting that for a long time Bernard beer was not on the shelves of supermarkets, while distribution problems were being resolved.
The brand itself has existed since 1991, but a drink is made in the brewery, which was erected and opened in the XVI century. Due to the fact that in 2000 Czech businessmen decided to attract investors for the development of the brand, today you can see the Bernard beer in Russian stores. An important role was played by Duvel Moortgat, which bought back half of the shares and was able to promote the brand outside the Czech Republic. Favorite traditional lager can also be found in Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Great Britain, Australia and Greece.
Favorite Varieties
Czech beer “Bernard” is sold in assortment (only 8 varieties), but not all of them reach the Russian consumer. Moscow brewing company provides the most popular:
- Bernard Světlý Ležák. Beer with a strength of 4.5%, medium density (no more than 11%). The drink has a slight sweetness, but an aftertaste is noted. Bitterness is almost not felt. Beer “Bernard” has a malt flavor, you can also distinguish notes of hops.
- Bernard Cerny Lezak. The strength of the drink is 5.1%, the density is not more than 13%. After tasting, you can feel the aroma and taste of kvass. There is a slight bitterness, but the drink remains velvety and soft. For dark beer, these qualities are quite acceptable, because burnt malt is used to make it.
- Bernard Svatecni Lezak. Fortress 5%, density 12%. Unlike other varieties, this beer was made almost 13 years ago. Strong and sharp bitterness is felt, which can frighten fans of light, hoppy drinks. Feels grassy and grape notes. However, bitterness does not spoil beer, upon opening you can feel an interesting enveloping softness.
And what do Russian customers think?
Despite the fact that the beer “Bernard” is already known to the Russian consumer, it can not be found everywhere. The average price for a bottle is at least 280-310 rubles, which makes the brand elite and low-demand.
Judging by the reviews, the quality of the drink justifies the price, because it is not at all watery and saturated. All types of beer are drunk easily, with pleasure, there is no taste of alcohol.
An interesting bottle immediately catches the eye of buyers: a cork with a metal frame, a label that seals it, a dark bottle that protects the drink from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Consumers note that all Bernard beers are moderately carbonated, and the foam is lush and stable. You may notice a slight precipitate, which is quite acceptable, which the manufacturer warns about. The drinks themselves are slightly cloudy, which does not affect quality at all.
“Bernard” is chosen by those who really appreciate real Czech traditions. Noble bitterness is the result of a special brewing technique, so do not be afraid of it.