Royal Brewery of Krušovice
Historic Czech brewery and beer brand known for pale lagers, dark beer and traditional Krušovice brewing heritage.
Last updated October 17, 2026
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Overview
Royal Brewery of Krušovice, commonly marketed simply as Krušovice, is a historic Czech brewery based in the village of Krušovice. The brewery traces its establishment to 1581, making it one of the long-established brewing institutions associated with the Czech beer tradition. Its early history became linked to the Habsburg court when the brewery was sold to Emperor Rudolf II in 1583. This association is reflected in the imperial crown that became part of the company’s visual identity and remains central to the brand’s historical positioning. The brewery later changed ownership again when Arnošt Josef Waldstein acquired it in 1685. For much of the modern era after the Second World War, Krušovice operated as a state-owned enterprise. The post-communist transformation of the Czech economy led to its privatisation in 1993. Following privatisation, the brewery expanded its international reach and began exporting beer to markets including the United States and the United Kingdom. Krušovice’s portfolio is centred on Czech-style pale lagers and draught beers, complemented by dark, semi-dark, wheat and unfiltered offerings. Listed products include Krušovice 10, a pale draught beer; Krušovice Lager and Krušovice 12, pale lager variants; Krušovice Dark; the Mušketýr filtered and unfiltered beers; Krušovice Malvaz, a semi-dark lager; and Krušovice Pšeničné, an unfiltered wheat beer. The range spans different strengths and brewing profiles, allowing the brand to serve both mainstream lager drinkers and consumers seeking darker or less-filtered styles. Heineken N.V. acquired the brewery in 2007. Under Heineken ownership, Krušovice operates as a Czech beer brand within an international brewing group, combining local heritage and production identity with wider distribution. Its positioning rests on the historical significance of the brewery, the imperial association represented by its crown emblem, and the broader reputation of Czech lager. The brand remains active in the Czech Republic and is also sold in international markets.
History
The Royal Brewery of Krušovice is a Czech brewery whose documented history begins in 1581 in Krušovice. Its early development is associated with the political and cultural world of the Habsburg monarchy. In 1583, the brewery was sold to Emperor Rudolf II. The imperial connection gave the enterprise a distinctive royal identity, later represented by the Imperial Crown incorporated into its logo and brand symbolism. In 1685, Arnošt Josef Waldstein purchased the brewery, marking a further change in ownership during the pre-industrial history of the business. The brewery continued as a local production institution through subsequent centuries, with its identity remaining tied to Krušovice and to the Czech brewing tradition. After the Second World War, Krušovice became a state-owned company. This status lasted through the communist period in Czechoslovakia. The political and economic changes after 1989 eventually led to the brewery’s privatisation in 1993. The privatisation period was followed by a stronger international orientation: Krušovice began exporting to the United States and the United Kingdom, extending the brand beyond its domestic base. The brewery’s modern portfolio includes pale lagers and draught beers as well as dark, semi-dark, unfiltered and wheat varieties. Named products include Krušovice 10, Krušovice Lager, Krušovice 12, Krušovice Dark, Krušovice Mušketýr Filtr, Krušovice Mušketýr Nefiltr, Krušovice Malvaz and Krušovice Pšeničné. These products give the brand a range that covers conventional Czech lager consumption and more specialised beer styles. Heineken N.V. acquired the brewery in 2007. The acquisition placed Krušovice within a multinational brewing group while preserving its identification as a Czech brewery and beer brand. Its present identity therefore combines a centuries-old local history, royal and imperial visual associations, Czech lager heritage and access to international distribution. The available reference material does not identify current brewery executives, detailed ownership structure beyond Heineken, specific advertising campaigns, or major scandals and legal controversies.
- 2007
Acquired by Heineken
[1]Heineken N.V. acquired the brewery and added Krušovice to its international beer portfolio.
- 1993
Privatisation and export expansion
[1]The brewery was privatised and began exporting beer to the United States and the United Kingdom.
- 1945
Became state-owned
[1]After the Second World War, the brewery operated as a state-owned company.
- 1685
Acquired by Arnošt Josef Waldstein
[1]Arnošt Josef Waldstein purchased the brewery.
- 1583
Sold to Emperor Rudolf II
[1]The brewery was sold to Emperor Rudolf II, creating the royal association later reflected in the Imperial Crown used in its logo.
- 1581
Brewery established in Krušovice
[1]The brewery was established in Krušovice, beginning the documented history of the brand.
Products and positioning
Traditional Czech beer with royal and imperial heritage, offering accessible pale lagers alongside dark, semi-dark, wheat and unfiltered styles through an international brewing group.
Pale draught beer
Krušovice 10
A pale draught beer listed at 10.3° with 4.2% alcohol by volume. It represents the lighter end of the Krušovice range and is positioned as a straightforward Czech-style beer for draught service. A pale 12.3° lager containing 5.0% alcohol by volume. It is one of the brand’s fuller pale lager expressions and belongs to the traditional Czech lager segment.
Pale lager
Krušovice Lager
A pale 12° lager with 4.8% alcohol by volume. The product sits at the core of the brand’s traditional lager offer and expresses Krušovice’s Czech brewing identity through a standard pale lager format.
Dark beer
Krušovice Dark
A dark beer listed at 9.7° and 3.8% alcohol by volume. It broadens the portfolio beyond pale lager by offering a darker malt profile in a comparatively light-strength format.
Filtered pale draught beer
Krušovice Mušketýr Filtr
An unfiltered 11.8° lager with 4.9% alcohol by volume. The unfiltered presentation differentiates it from the filtered Mušketýr product and highlights a less-processed style within the Krušovice portfolio.
Semi-dark lager
Krušovice Malvaz
A semi-dark 13° lager with 5.6% alcohol by volume. It occupies a stronger and darker position than the core pale lagers, providing a malt-forward alternative within the range.
Unfiltered wheat beer
Krušovice Pšeničné
An unfiltered 11.5° wheat beer with 4.3% alcohol by volume. This product extends the brewery’s offering into wheat beer while retaining the unfiltered characteristic also present in the Mušketýr Nefiltr line.
Brand decisions
2007
Join Heineken’s international brewing portfolioM&ABackground
Royal Brewery of Krušovice had operated as a privatised Czech brewery with an established export presence.
Action taken
Heineken N.V. acquired the brewery.
Aftermath
Krušovice became a Czech beer brand within the Heineken group.
1993
Expand internationally after privatisationStrategyBackground
The brewery was privatised during the post-communist transformation of the Czech economy.
Action taken
Krušovice began exporting its beer to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Aftermath
The move established an international distribution path before the brewery later became part of Heineken.
Sources1 sources
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