Zlatý Bažant (Golden Pheasant) is the most exported Slovakbeer brand. It was founded in 1969[1][2] and is produced at its brewery in Hurbanovo. It was acquired by the Heineken International group in 1995 adding on to the group's repertoire of over 170 beer brands from 125 breweries in 70 countries.[3][4]
It is distributed in the United States and Canada under the name Golden Pheasant.[5][6]
History
Zlatý Bažant gets its name from the surrounding area of Hurbanovo which is a small town located Southeast of Slovakia's capital. Bratislava had a large amount of pheasants during the 1970s that were gold in color which inspired the name.
In 1971, Zlatý Bažant began to be sold in cans which was the first-ever beer in Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe to be produced in such a way.[7] Zlatý Bažant bought the non-alcoholic beer Pito in the 1980s. Today, Zlatý Bažant "nealko" continues this tradition. On April 1, 2011, Radler Pheasant, a beer-based drink with lemonade, was launched in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.[7] In April 2016, Zlatý Bažant 73 beer was launched, inspired by the oldest preserved draft brew of Zlatý Bažant from 16 April 1973.[7]
Brewery
Zlatý Bažant is brewed in Hurbanovo Slovakia, which was chosen because of its warm climate, having highest temperature in Slovakia all year round on average. The town is 114 meters above sea level.[8] The warmer climate allows for the hops to thrive and grow.
