to enjoy Karlovy Vary with all your senses, you must not miss the tasting of the traditional herbal liqueur Becherovka, which is produced only here.
About Becherovka
Becherovka was produced the first time in 1807 in a drugstore owned by the chemist Josef Becher. Initially he was selling in bottles as the stomach medication drops. As the drink gained in popularity, the size of bottles in which the liqueur was supplied under the original name the “Karlsbader Bitter” started to be bigger. Becherovka started to be bottled in the typical flat bottles approximately seventy years after the creation of the formula. The Czech name “Becherovka” has been used since the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. the stomach medication drops. As the drink gained in popularity, the size of bottles in which the liqueur was supplied under the original name the “Karlsbader Bitter” started to be bigger. Becherovka started to be bottled in the typical flat bottles approximately seventy years after the creation of the formula. The Czech name “Becherovka” has been used since the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
The manufacture of this liquor has been shrouded in mystery for 200 years. The exact ratio of ingredients was passed as afamily secret from father to son. These days the recipe for Becherovka is known only by two people who are preparing a mixture of spices and herbs once a week. The specific taste is also influenced by two weeks of aging in oak barrels and reportedly also by the environment of Karlovy Vary.
You can taste Becherovka practically in every Karlovy Vary pub, restaurant or bar. It is served either chilled in a liquor glass, or in the mixed drinks, of which the most popular is “Beton” (Becherovka and tonic).
Jan Becher Museum
Becherovka is an essential part of Karlovy Vary. Therefore you also find its museum here. The exhibition is located in the historic building where the liquor was manufactured for 150 years. During the tour of the museum you will see a short film about Becherovka, the original cellars where the Becherovka was aged, a variety of historical items associated with the liquor (original labels, bottles and imitations ...) and other attractions. The museum also has a shop and bar where you will be served the Becherovka that is well chilled.