This fall, a beer resulting from a joint effort by the breweries Budějovický Budvar and Bila Shaka was introduced in Kenya, where our sales manager Tomas Roubik represented Bohemia Hop company. Czech Mates, a Czech-style lager brewed at the Bila Shaka brewery in Kenya under the supervision of the brewers from both breweries using decoction brewing, is a successful endeavor. The outcome is very satisfying because the beer, thanks to double mashing, gains a fuller body, and due to 100% hopping with the Saaz hop variety supplied by Bohemia Hop, it has a typical delicate hop aroma of Czech lagers and a higher bitterness for the local market (around 28 IBU). This bitterness precisely completes the overall impression of the lager and provides very pleasant drinkability.

The idea for this joint project was born in 2023 during an incoming mission of Kenyan brewers to the Czech Republic and was further supported during a Czech mission to Kenya as part of a project by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2024. By the end of August 2025, everything was finalized, and Adam Brož, the brewmaster of Budějovický Budvar, was able to travel to Kenya to create this unique lager. Why is it unique? Because it might be the first lager brewed using decoction in Africa.

Approximately two months later, Czech Mates was introduced to local traders, restaurant and bar owners, and of course, the public. The first presentation, under the auspices of the Czech ambassador to Kenya, Mrs. Nicol Adamcova, took place at the embassy residence and was a huge success, partly thanks to the professional beer-serving skills of Alex Vítek, ambassador of Budějovický Budvar.

Another presentation was held in a more typical setting at Geco Café, where Czech Mates flowed freely, aided by the Czech-Slovak enthusiasm of Budějovický Budvar representatives, who offered the beer directly to end consumers, just as is common at home. The result was a relaxed evening where Czech Mates delighted the taste buds of both men and women.