Beer Study Buddy
Sign in
← Back to styles

3. Czech Lager

3A. Czech Pale Lager

Open official BJCP source

BJCP Explorer Style Profile

This BJCP record is outside the Certified Cicerone Level 2 beer-style list and is included for Advanced Cicerone review.

Style code
3A
Category
3. Czech Lager
Cicerone exam alignment
Advanced Cicerone
Source
BJCP 2021 Beer Style Guidelines

Overall Impression

A lighter-bodied, rich, refreshing, hoppy, bitter pale Czech lager having the familiar flavors of the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager (Pilsner-type) beer but in a lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and slightly less intense format.

Aroma

Light to moderate bready-rich malt combined with light to moderate spicy or herbal hop bouquet; the balance between the malt and hops may vary. Faint hint of caramel is acceptable. Light (but never intrusive) diacetyl and light, fruity esters are optional. No sulfur.

Appearance

Light yellow to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear, with a long-lasting, creamy white head.

Flavor

Medium-low to medium bready-rich malt flavor with a rounded, hoppy finish. Low to medium-high spicy or herbal hop flavor. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh. Flavorful and refreshing. Low diacetyl or fruity esters are optional, but should never be overbearing.

Mouthfeel

Medium-light to medium body. Moderate carbonation.

Comments

The Czech name of the style is světlé výčepní pivo.

Characteristic Ingredients

Soft water with low sulfate and carbonate content. Traditional Czech hops. Czech Pilsner malt. Czech lager yeast. Low ion water provides a distinctively soft, rounded hop profile despite high hopping rates.

Style Comparison

A lighter-bodied, lower-intensity, refreshing, everyday version of Czech Premium Pale Lager.

Vital Statistics

IBU
20 - 35
SRM
3 - 6
OG
1.028 - 1.044
FG
1.008 - 1.014
ABV
3% - 4.1%

Commercial Examples

Bernard světlé pivo 10, Březňák Světlé výčepní pivo, Notch Session Pils, Primátor Antonín světlé výčepní, Radegast Rázna 10, Únětické pivo 10°

Style Attributes

bitter bottom-fermented central-europe hoppy lagered pale-color pale-lager-family session-strength traditional-style