The History of Becherovka: How a Herbal Liqueur from Karlovy Vary Became a Global Brand

Becherovka is a legendary herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary that has long transcended the borders of the Czech Republic. Today, it’s served in bars and restaurants around the world, and tourists travel to Karlovy Vary specifically to taste it at the source. But the journey from a pharmacy remedy to an international brand has been long and full of remarkable events.

🧪 Becherovka Was Born as a Medicine

The drink’s story began in 1807, when Josef Becher, owner of the pharmacy “U tří skříňat” (“At the Three Chests”), introduced a new herbal tincture to aid digestion.

Initially, the drink was used by the drop or teaspoon and sold in pharmacies as a medicinal remedy. Over time, this tradition evolved — and the liqueur became a fixture at Czech dinner tables and festive gatherings.

👨‍⚕ Who Invented the Recipe?

The recipe is linked to Christian Frobrig, an English doctor working in Karlovy Vary. He experimented with herbs to treat his patients and eventually shared a base formula with Josef Becher. Becher refined it, perfected the blend, and established production. It was Josef Becher who registered the brand and became associated with the now-famous name.

🌿 The Secret Formula: Over 200 Years of Mystery

To this day, the exact recipe of Becherovka remains a closely guarded secret. It’s believed to include about 20 herbs and spices, such as wormwood, cloves, cinnamon, anise, and citrus peel — but the full list has never been published.

Only two employees at the company know the precise formula. They prepare the herbal mixture personally every week in a specially secured room at the factory in Karlovy Vary. This makes it one of the best-kept secrets in the history of Czech spirits.

⚔️ Historic Twists: Nationalization and Emigration

After World War II, the company was nationalized by the new Czechoslovak government. The Becher family emigrated to Germany, where they tried to recreate the original recipe and launched a new company called “Jan Becher KG”, which led to a decades-long legal dispute over brand rights.

🌍 A Return to the Global Stage

In 1997, the Becherovka brand was acquired by the French group Pernod Ricard. This marked the beginning of a new era: export to dozens of countries, modern marketing strategies, and participation in international exhibitions. Becherovka became an essential part of the company’s global portfolio.

📛 From “Becher’s Bitter” to Becherovka

Until the early 20th century, the drink was simply known as “Becher’s Bitter” or “the herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary.” The name Becherovka appeared later, as part of branding and commercialization. The modern, recognizable bottle and logo were introduced in the 20th century and have since become iconic symbols of Czech spirit culture.

🇵🇱 Who Owns Becherovka Today?

In 2024, a major shift occurred: Pernod Ricard sold the brand and all production assets in Karlovy Vary to the Polish company Maspex Group. The transaction was completed on May 1, 2024.

Maspex is one of the largest producers of beverages and food products in Central and Eastern Europe. Their portfolio already includes well-known brands like Żubrówka, Tymbark, and Kubuś.

All rights to Jan Becher – Karlovarská Becherovka a.s., including the factory, warehouses, and intellectual property, were transferred to Maspex. The new owner announced plans to invest in brand development and expand international exports.

Important: Despite the change in ownership, Becherovka continues to be produced in Karlovy Vary, preserving its original recipe and historical connection to the region.