Zubr Gradus 12
Pivovar Prerov

 

I have had the Polish Zubr many times and to be honest, I never knew that there was also a Czech one...until now! Seems to contain sugar and hops extract, so expecting a bit of a dodgy slightly mocne flavour. Yes 5.2% isn't particularly strong.

Beer has lots of life, mega big head. Quite a dark, caramel, mocne colour (mocne is a Polish strong lager, of which the Polish Zubr is one). The head is mega foamy like washing up liquid. I am not a fan of the colour, because it reminds me of mocne beers which I pretty much always hate. Quite thin once the head dies down. Aromas of caramel and quite flowery, citrussy hops.

Quite a unique flavour. Lots of citrus especially. Kind of heavy but tastes totally fine. The added sugar seems to just about balance with the hops. It's a totally ok beer. Mouth feel although thin, has a punchy dry citrus peely aftertaste.

This beer is quite unique, and I am still not entirely sure what Gradus means. Is it better than the Polish Zubr? I think it is a similar level and I must try them both together, if this is possible anywhere. Probably not as it would confuse everyone, I think one kind of bison in a shop is probably enough.

 

Pours a clear amber with thick, fluffy head.

Smell is bready and a bit sweet. Notes of buttered toast, knäckebröd, citrus and a hint of caramel.

Taste is bready and sweet with notes of buttered toast, rye and citrus with hints of caramel and spice, Solid bitterness.

Mouthfeel is medium, creamy and well carbonated.

Overall, a very nice lager, plenty of flavor.

Bought at a Supermarket in Olomouc (Moravia, Czech Republic). Half liter bottle poured into a mug.

-Usual Pilsener look but the yellow of the liquid is darker. Foam head grows smaller and leaves traces.
-Herbal smell but not very powerful. Freshness.
-More bitter than the usual Pilsener. Too much for my taste.
-Full bodied to some extent and fairly crispy. After a while it doesn't leave any after taste.

A dull beer.