When it comes to beer, Hungary and the nearby Czech Republic have always had an troubled relationship. To be blunt, the Czechs make superior sör, and seem to enjoy rubbing Magyars’ noses it in. Which may explain the seemingly spiteful decision late last week by a high-level Hungarian court to torpedo the efforts of famed Bohemian brewer Budějovický Budvar to have the word “Bud” legally protected as an “appellation of origin.” The ruling, which appears to be final, opens the door for American brewing giant Anheuser-Busch to sell its world-famous Budweiser suds under the “Bud” name, and offers it new ammo in its interminable legal war against Budvar. No word yet if any Hungarian makers of barely-drinkable malt fizz plan legal action to prevent their market share from being diluted as a result of the decision.
