The Czech Republic is widely known for its exceptional beer culture and has a long history of brewing delicious and high-quality beers. One of the most popular styles of beer in the country is the classic Czech lager, which is a light beer often referred to as Pilsner.
Pilsner beer gets its name from the city of Pilzen, located just an hour away from Prague. It was in Pilzen where the first beer of this style was brewed, and it quickly gained popularity not only in the Czech Republic but also around the world. Pilsner is characterized by its golden color, crisp taste, and moderate hop bitterness.
The Czechs take great pride in their Pilsner beer, and it has become synonymous with Czech brewing excellence. The beer is made using high-quality ingredients, including locally sourced hops and malt, which contribute to its distinctive flavor profile. It is typically brewed using a bottom-fermenting yeast and goes through a longer maturation process to develop its crisp and clean taste.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in craft beer in the Czech Republic. While Pilsner still remains the most popular style, craft breweries have been experimenting with different beer styles to cater to a more diverse range of tastes. Some of the other popular beer styles in the country include:
1. Czech Dark Lager: This beer style is characterized by its dark amber to brown color and rich malty flavor. It has a slightly sweet taste with notes of caramel and roasted malt. Czech dark lagers are typically full-bodied and smooth.
2. Czech Pale Lager: Similar to Pilsner, Czech pale lagers are light in color and have a crisp and refreshing taste. They are often slightly less hoppy than Pilsners and have a more balanced flavor profile.
3. Czech Wheat Beer: Wheat beers, also known as “weizens,” have gained popularity in recent years. These beers are brewed with a significant portion of wheat in addition to malted barley, giving them a hazy appearance and a fruity and spicy flavor.
4. Czech IPA: Inspired by the American craft beer movement, Czech IPAs have become increasingly popular among beer enthusiasts. These beers are characterized by their strong hop bitterness, floral aromas, and citrusy flavors.
5. Czech Sour Beer: Sour beers, known as “kyselé” in Czech, have a long history in the country. These beers are fermented using wild yeast or bacteria, resulting in a tart and acidic taste. They can range from mildly sour to intensely puckering.
It's worth mentioning that the popularity of different beer styles can vary depending on the region and individual preferences. However, Czech lagers, particularly Pilsners, remain the cornerstone of Czech beer culture and continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.