BJCP 2021 / 3C
Czech Amber Lager
A toasty amber version of Czech pilsner with soft hop bitterness.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- amber color
- bottom fermented
- lagered
Serve: 42 to 46F, Mug or pint
OG1.120
1.044 to 1.060FG1.030
1.013 to 1.017IBU120
20 to 35SRM40
10 to 16ABV14%
4.4 to 5.8%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Toasty, bready malt with light caramel
- Spicy Saaz hop at a low to moderate level
- Clean lager yeast
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toasty malt with a hint of spice
- Best
- Moderate toasted bread and light caramel aroma, low spicy hop, clean yeast
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to copper
- Clear
- Off-white to cream head
- Vague
- Copper
- Better
- Amber and clear
- Best
- Amber copper, brilliantly clear, off-white head with good staying power
Flavor
20 pts- Toasty bread and light caramel malt
- Moderate herbal Saaz hop
- Balanced bitterness, medium finish
- Vague
- Balanced
- Better
- Toasty malt with spicy hop
- Best
- Moderate toasted bread and caramel malt, low to moderate spicy hop flavor, firm balanced bitterness
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to medium-full body
- Medium carbonation
- Soft
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body and soft
- Best
- Medium body, soft and rounded, medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Toast and spice in balance
Drops it
- Harsh roast
- Sweet cloying finish
Writing tip
Place it between pale and dark. Example: 'Toasty bread with spicy hop, clean amber lager. Slightly more bitterness would sharpen the finish.'
Pour these
- Bernard Jantarový LežákRodinný pivovar BernardAmber malt and a soft hop finish
- Kozel Premium Lager PolotmavýVelkopopovický KozelSemi-dark malt with a light hop touch
Often confused with
- 3B Czech Premium Pale LagerPremium Pale Lager is lighter in color with more hop
- 6A MärzenMärzen is richer and more bready, with less hop
Fine here
- Diacetyl: A faint butter hint is traditional
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Over-darkened grain scratches the throat
- Oxidized: Papery
- DMS: Cooked corn
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.