At the ceremonial St. Wenceslas Festival of the Czech Association of Breweries and Malthouses, Mr. Libor Smutek, Emeritus Brewmaster of the FAT USB Research and Teaching Mini-Brewery, was inducted into the Czech Brewing and Malting Hall of Fame. He was joined by Bohuslav Kandrnál, who was also honored for his lifelong contribution to the field.
This prestigious award recognizes long-standing professional work, the passing of expertise to younger generations, and a significant influence on the development of brewing culture in the Czech Republic.
We are delighted that among the eminent figures who have helped shape the profile and prestige of brewing education at the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology at USB is now a direct participant and guarantor of our mini-brewery. Mr. Smutek’s induction into the Hall of Fame reflects the importance of connecting research, practice, and teaching.
We attach a profile in which Mr. Smutek discusses his approaches, experiences, and perspectives in brewing: “The University Brewery Is Changing Czech Beer".
Who is Libor Smutek?
He was born in 1951. He began his brewing career in the malt house of the Litovel Brewery and further developed his expertise by studying at the Secondary Industrial School of Food Technology in Prague. During his career, he worked at several prominent breweries, including Ostravar, Pilsner Urquell, Staňkov, and Gambrinus. From 2016 to 2023, he led the FAT USB Research and Teaching Mini-Brewery, where—in addition to overseeing operations and specialized brew batches—he shared his knowledge with future brewers. Today, as Emeritus Brewmaster, he continues to serve as a mentor and adviser to students and other brewing enthusiasts.
📸 Photo: Czech Association of Breweries and Malthouses; FAT USB archives.
