European Pale Lager - Bohemian Pilsner

BJCP 02-A

AROMA

Rich with a complex malt and a spicy, floral, Saaz hop bouquet. Moderate diacetyl acceptable.

APPEARANCE

Light gold to deep copper-gold, clear, with a dense, creamy white head.

FLAVOR

Rich, complex maltiness combined with pronounced soft, rounded bitterness and flavor from Saaz hops. Moderate diacetyl acceptable. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh, and does not linger: The aftertaste is balanced between malt and hops. Clean, no fruitiness or esters.

MOUTH FEEL

Medium-bodied, medium carbonation.

OVERALL

Crisp, complex and well-rounded yet refreshing.

INGREDIENTS

Low sulfate and low carbonate water, Saaz hops, Moravian malted barley.

COMMENTS

Uses Moravian malted barley and a decoction mash for rich, malt character. Saaz hops and low sulfate, low carbonate water provide a distinctively soft, rounded hop profile.

HISTORY

First brewed in 1842, this style was the original clear, light-colored beer.

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES

Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus Pilsner, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen.

VITAL

OG: 1.044-1.056 IBUs: 35-45 FG: 1.013-1.017 SRM: 3-5 ABV: 4-5.3%