Ožujsko
A golden lager with a sweet corn and malt nose.
Ožujsko is a Croatian brand of lager beer (5% ABV) and the flagship brand produced by Zagrebačka pivovara, the largest brewery in Croatia. It is one of the oldest beer brands in the country with uninterrupted continuity of production.
Quick Facts
- Abv
- 5%
- Manufacturer
- Zagrebačka pivovara
- Origin
- Croatia
- Introduced
- early 20th century, Lobe brewery Nova Gradiška
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Ožujsko beer originates from the Lobe brewery in Nova Gradiška, founded by Dragutin Lobe after he moved from Požega in 1851. The brewery initially employed around 60 workers and was modernized in 1873, becoming the first steam-powered brewery in Croatia. The production of Ožujsko began in the early 20th century at the Lobe brewery, though the exact year is not known; the year 1892 on today's label refers to the establishment of Zagrebačka pivovara, not the start of Ožujsko production. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Lobe brewery invested capital in what is now Zagrebačka pivovara. The brewery was later managed by Dragutin's son Miroslav Lobe, under whose leadership it reached a peak production of 8,000 hectoliters per year. After Miroslav's death, the brewery became a branch of Zagrebačka dionička pivovara i tvornica slada. The Lobe brewery was shut down in 1943, and its machinery was transferred to today's Zagrebačka pivovara. Almost every trace of the brewery has since been erased due to lack of recognition by local authorities.
Reader's Guide
Ožujsko is the leading beer brand in Croatia by sales, holding a market share of approximately 40%. It has been the official sponsor of the Croatian national football team since 1998. The beer is named after the month of March, traditionally considered the best time for brewing, though modern production allows it to be brewed year-round. It is described as a golden lager with a deep white head, a sweet corn and malt nose, and a fruity finish. The recipe and brand originated from the Lobe brewery in Nova Gradiška, a historic brewery that was once the first steam-powered brewery in Croatia. Despite the closure of the Lobe brewery in 1943 and the loss of its physical heritage, Ožujsko has continued as a flagship brand under Zagrebačka pivovara, which has been part of Molson Coors Brewing Company since 2013. The beer's long history and dominant market position make it a staple of Croatian beer culture.
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