Czechia is a country with a rich brewing history, where every style of beer has its own recipe and taste. At our restaurant in Prague we offer a wide choice of Czech beers – from classic lagers to original craft beers and exclusive seasonal specials. This guide to Czech beer will help you understand the different styles and choose the ideal beer to taste.
The history of Czech beer
Czech brewing has a tradition of more than a thousand years. In the Middle Ages, beer was brewed mainly by monasteries for their own use, but in the 14th century the first commercial breweries began to appear. The most important milestone was the creation of Pilsner lager in 1842 – it was this style that became the model for most modern lagers. Today Czechia is among the world leaders in beer consumption per head, and its beer styles are admired all over the world.
The main styles of Czech beer
In the Czech Republic, beer is classified by its colour, the way it is fermented and the strength of the original wort (°Plato). These are the main categories:
Pale beer (světlé pivo)
The most popular type of beer: golden in colour, with a smooth taste and balanced bitterness. The classic choice if you want to taste traditional Czech beer.
Dark beer (tmavé pivo)
Deep dark brown in colour, with notes of caramel and chocolate. It tends to be sweeter and smoother than pale lagers.
Řezané pivo (half and half)
Pale and dark beer combined in one half-litre glass. The balance between the sweetness of the dark malt and the gentle bitterness of the pale lager makes it an interesting beer to taste.
Wheat beer (pšeničné pivo)
Brewed with a high proportion of wheat, it is cloudy and pale yellow, with a fruity, spicy taste and notes of banana and clove.
India Pale Lager (I.P.L.)
It combines the characteristic lightness of a lager with the pronounced hop bitterness and citrus aromas typical of an IPA.
Fruit and speciality beers
Some beer styles contain fruit or spices, or have an unusual colour. This category includes, for example, sour cherry craft beer and green beer.
The best beers you can taste at our restaurant
Our restaurant offers a wide choice of Czech beers. Here are some of the best:
Krušovice Bohem tank beer
Tank beer stands out for its freshness, because it comes straight from the brewery without being pasteurised. Krušovice Bohem is a classic pale lager with a smooth taste, subtle bitterness and a fresh character.
Profile:
- Style: pale lager
- Alcohol: 4.8%
- Bitterness: medium
- Special feature: its natural taste is preserved thanks to the tank technology
Dark Krušovice
A dark lager with a rich aroma of caramel and chocolate. Its gentle sweetness is balanced by a light bitterness in the finish.
Profile:
- Style: dark lager
- Alcohol: 3.8%
- Bitterness: low
- Taste: caramel, coffee, chocolate
Řezané pivo
The classic combination of pale and dark beer. A perfect balance between the sweetness of the dark malt and the gentle bitterness of the pale lager.
Profile:
- Style: mixed lager
- Alcohol: 4.5%
- Bitterness: medium
- Special feature: a balanced flavour profile
Krušovice I.P.L.
A modern take on lager with a pronounced hop bitterness reminiscent of an IPA. It offers fresh citrus and floral notes.
Profile:
- Style: India Pale Lager
- Alcohol: 5.2%
- Bitterness: high
- Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, resin
Krušovice Weizenbier
An unfiltered wheat beer with a smooth taste and fruity notes. Natural fermentation gives it a slightly tart touch and an aroma of banana.
Profile:
- Style: wheat beer
- Alcohol: 5.0%
- Bitterness: low
- Aroma: banana, clove, bread
Sour cherry craft beer
A fruit beer for lovers of unusual flavours. It combines the freshness of a pale lager with the natural sweet-and-sour taste of sour cherries.
Profile:
- Style: fruit ale
- Alcohol: 3.9%
- Bitterness: low
- Taste: sweet and sour, fruity
Green beer
A rare speciality beer traditionally brewed in Czechia for Easter. It gets its unusual colour from added herbs, but it still tastes like a classic beer, with a subtly spicy undertone.
Profile:
- Style: lager with herbal notes
- Alcohol: 5.0%
- Bitterness: medium
- Special feature: its green colour and a delicate herbal aroma
How to taste Czech beer properly
To enjoy Czech beer to the full, follow these tips:
1. Choose the right glass
Every beer style shows at its best in the right glass. A Pilsner lager, for example, tastes best in a tall glass, while dark beer is served in a sturdy half-litre mug.
2. Look at the colour and smell the aroma
Hold the glass up to the light and take in the colour of the beer. Then breathe in deeply and try to pick out every nuance of its aroma.
3. Drink slowly
Let the taste of the beer unfold gradually. Czech beer is not meant to be rushed – it is a drink to savour.
4. Pair it with food
- Pale lagers go well with grilled meat and pork knuckle.
- Dark beer is a great match for braised meat, goulash or chocolate desserts.
- Wheat beer suits salads and fish.
- Fruit beers go well with cheese and light desserts.
Czech beer is more than just a drink – it is part of Czech culture. At the A. Dvořák restaurant you will find a wide range of beers, from classic lagers to rare craft specials. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced taster, there is always something new worth trying.
🍺 Come and taste your way through the rich world of Czech brewing!
