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BJCP 2021 / 3A

Czech Pale Lager

A light, hoppy session lager with soft malt and herbal bitterness.

  • Drink fresh
  • session strength
  • pale color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 40 to 44F, Pilsner glass or half-liter mug

OG1.120
1.028 to 1.044
FG1.030
1.008 to 1.014
IBU120
20 to 35
SRM40
3 to 6
ABV14%
3.0 to 4.1%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Spicy, herbal Saaz hop leads
  • Light bready malt
  • A faint buttery hint is traditional at the lowest level
Vague
Hoppy
Better
Herbal hop with light bread
Best
Moderate spicy, floral Saaz hop over low bready malt, clean lager yeast

Appearance

3 pts
  • Straw to deep gold
  • Brilliant to slightly hazy
  • Dense white head
Vague
Gold
Better
Gold with a white head
Best
Straw gold, brilliant, tight white head that clings to the glass

Flavor

20 pts
  • Soft bready malt
  • Herbal hop flavor with a crisp, clean bitterness
  • Dry finish that invites another sip
Vague
Bitter
Better
Soft malt with spicy hop
Best
Low bready malt sweetness, moderate herbal and spicy hop flavor, firm but soft bitterness, dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Light to medium-light body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Soft water makes it smooth
Vague
Light
Better
Light and smooth
Best
Light to medium-light body, soft and smooth, medium carbonation with a fine bubble

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Fresh Saaz character
  • Soft water smoothness

Drops it

  • Harsh bitterness
  • Heavy diacetyl
  • Staleness

Writing tip

Mention the hop character by name. Example: 'Soft Saaz spice over light bread, clean and dry. Slight buttery note is within style.'

Pour these

  • Kozel 10Velkopopovický KozelA light, gently bitter draft-strength lager
  • Únětické Pivo 10°Pivovar UněticeFresh herbal hop with a clean body

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Diacetyl: A whisper of butter is traditional and tolerated
  • DMS: A trace of corn from pale Moravian malt

Ruinous here

  • Oxidized: Hop and malt fade fast in a light beer
  • Light-struck: Skunk from green or clear glass
  • Astringent: Harsh tannins clash with the soft water profile

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.