Overall Impression
A refreshing pale Czech lager with considerable malt and hop character and a long finish. The malt flavors are complex for a Pilsner-type beer. The bitterness is strong and clean but lacks harshness, which gives a well-balanced, rounded flavor impression that enhances drinkability.
Aroma
Medium to medium-high bready-rich malt and medium-low to medium-high spicy, floral, or herbal hop bouquet; though the balance between the malt and hops may vary, the interplay is rich and complex. Light diacetyl, or very low fruity esters are optional. Esters tend to increase with gravity.
Appearance
Medium yellow to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear clarity. Dense, long-lasting, creamy white head.
Flavor
Rich, complex, bready maltiness combined with a pronounced yet soft and rounded bitterness and floral and spicy hop flavor. Malt and hop flavors are medium to medium-high, and the malt may contain a slight impression of caramel. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh. The long finish can be balanced towards hops or malt but is never aggressively tilted either way. Light to moderately-low diacetyl and low hop-derived esters are acceptable, but need not be present.
Mouthfeel
Medium body. Moderate to low carbonation.
Vital Statistics
- IBU
- 30 - 45
- SRM
- 3.5 - 6
- ABV
- 4.2% - 5.8%
Commercial Examples
- Bernard Sváteční ležák
- Budvar 33 světlý ležák