Czech Lager

Czech Lagers are a group of beer styles renowned for their rich malt character, elegant and balanced hop bitterness, and smooth lager fermentation profile. These beers often feature malts from the southeast Czech Republic which impart a deep, complex flavor and are traditionally hopped with Saaz, a noble variety that gives them a characteristic spicy or floral aroma.

The category includes several distinct styles based on color and strength, ranging from the pale and sessionable Czech Pale Lager to the more robust Czech Amber Lager and the darker Czech Dark Lager. Each style within the category has its own unique balance between malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and hop aroma. They range in alcohol content from lower-alcohol session beers to stronger versions that still maintain their drinkability. While they share similarities with German Lagers, such as clean fermentation profile and emphasis on malt flavors balanced by hops, Czech Lagers generally exhibit a softer water profile resulting in a rounder mouthfeel. The individual styles within this category celebrate the nuance of regional brewing traditions of the Czech Republic while showcasing the mastery of brewing lagers that are both flavorful and refreshingly crisp.