Staropramen Lager
Pivovary Staropramen

Steve555 from Wales

3.52/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Light brown body with fast dissipating head. (maybe I kept it in the freezer too long). Smells a little malty but very weak smelling. Taste is quite thick malts and grains and some bitterness fights through, body has a creamy buttery texture. Dry on the mouth with a tingly carbonation, slightly gritty. Overall it's a nice filling pilsner with an emphasis on being a malty brew.

Jul 28, 2020

jonmikel from Spain

2.8/5  rDev -16.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75

Bought at a Supermarket in Moravia. From a 0,5 l bottle to a Pilsener glass.
-Usual Pilsener look. The foam fades away after a while, leaving a small head of foam.
-Bitter smell. In my opinión, the usual for the style. It is not bat but it is not something remarkable.
-The taste is of Pilsener but I would say with an extra bitter touch that I like.
-The feel is less smooth than other Pilseners. It is not bad but it is not great.

In my opinión it is not bad but the best Pilsener that I had. Regular for the great Czech beer level.

May 15, 2020

Alexc11 from Canada (QC)

3.71/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Initially pours a thick foam accompanied with a clear golden body. Lacing is low probably because the thick head recedes fairly quick. Mild tasting beer overall. Aromas are dominated by cereal and malt. The sweet malt overtones finished off by I would say an elevated bitterness that feels a little on the 'woody' side. But ultimately has a really nice smooth feel.

Mar 27, 2020

Nofoba

3.58/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

It pours a clear, deep golden body with lots of visible carbonation. Small white head with some lacing.

It has a buttery aroma of pale malts, citrus and hops with notes of fruit and honey.

The taste has pale malts, grassy hops and butter. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and slightly creamy, with light bitterness, average carbonation and light sweetness. The aftertaste has a slight grassy bitterness to it.

Pleasantly mild and well balanced. A solid pilsner.

Nov 19, 2019

Duesseldog from Illinois

4.52/5  rDev +34.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I think this subtle, classic Pilsner blows most of the trendy Belgians and other overpowering microbrews out of the water... but you really should let it sit for a while, as is the case with all good Pislners. The taste is pure grain -- you really get the barley and then a hint of malt, with just a kiss of hops at the end. Other reviewers have criticized it for not having the "punch" of other Pilsners, but for my money, it's the best of the big ones.

Jun 29, 2019

elnachooo from Spain

2.34/5  rDev -30.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Cerveza de cuerpo ligero. En su aroma se puede percibir la malta, la levadura y un poco de cítrico. Al beberla se puede sentir el caramelo y nuevamente la sensación cítrica. Final dulce, seco con una pizca de amargor.

Nov 02, 2018

jlindros from Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Draft at a pub in London
Decent foamy head, little lacking, clear apple cider color
Nose is very light, a touch of grassy herbal hop, Moore cereal grain malts, fruity lager
Taste toasted pilsner malt and cereal grains, little sweet malt, mild grassy hop very light bitterness, quite fruity lager notes, mild soft lager, dry quick clean finish long herbal hop bitterness

Mouth is lighter bod, decent carb

Overall to light on everything for a real Czech pils

Jun 30, 2018

johnhutchwales1 from Wales

2.28/5  rDev -32.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

The version of this beer sold in Sainsbury in the UK bears little relation to any other Czech beer I have tasted, either in Prague or the UK. Thin, fizzy, metallic and lacking body. Own label Co-op Czech lager is VASTLY superior.

Dec 04, 2017

HipCzech from Texas

3.86/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap in 0.5 L Starompramen glass, alongside the Vltava river in Prague. Clear, pale gold with a lush, thick head of white foam and good lace. Pale malt grain and grassy hop aroma. Good malt base with slight grain sweetness, and bitter, grassy hop finish. Medium body with smooth, light to medium carbonation. A good, balanced Czech pilsener, slightly less bitter and crisp than Urquell and others.

Sep 11, 2017

TheDoctor from Canada (QC)

3.51/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Serving: Can
Best before: Dec-20-2017


A:
Pours crystal clear, rich gold with a perfect puffy glop of white head that sticks like glue before eventually dissipating. Great retention; sheets of lace. (4.25)

S:
Balance between grains and light hop spice with some wet cereal sweetness. (3.25)

T:
Cereals, lightly grassy, Some peppery and herbal hop in the finish as it warms it gets pretty sweet for me. (3.5)

M:
Zesty yet creamy body with medium carbonation and a slight bite in finish. (3.75)

O:
Pretty good Czech pils.
There is just about enough of everything, it is fairly well-balanced and there is a nice carbonic/hop bite. My main gripe is that it was a little sticky towards the end and ventured into flavors that some pale lagers do but which I personally don't really love, but aside from that a tasty beer. Not too much of any one thing.
I would probably have it again, but I would have to say I prefer other pilsners.
(3.5)

Apr 25, 2017

Ant777uk from England

2.92/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 2.75

Was really impressed by Budwar which I had a few days ago...

Good appearance and head level for a lager

Strong hoppy aroma, very impressive, a bit flowery like Budwar though with a bit more of a fruity and citrus kick.

For a lager/pilsner, flavour is pretty good, though nowhere near as good as Budwar or Pilsner Urquell I don't think. Refreshing and flowery hops with sweet malt. Needs a bit more strength and hops to be great, though would consider buying again.

Feel is a bit thin and watery, prefer a bit more body or creaminess

Mar 12, 2017

johnaitchison from California

4.99/5  rDev +48.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is what a Bohemian Pilsner is supposed to taste like. It pours a light-medium gold with a mousy white head that clings. The aroma has the classic spicy Saaz hops and crackery malt one would expect. Malt dominates the flavor. It's amazing how complex pale Pilsner malt can be when mashed correctly. Melanoidins jump all over your tounge. And the hops do both give a bite and provide a spicy flavor. Medium bodied; the malt won't let it dry out too much. Yet no heat. Long, long malty finish. If you're a malt head and love Pilsner malt--Strapromen is for you.

Mar 02, 2017

PorterPro125 from Canada (NB)

3.7/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Serving Type: 500 mL Can

L- Pours a deep golden colour topped by a 1/2 finger white head. Poor retention. No lacing.

S- Mainly getting straw and the classic noble hop aroma. Classic Czech Pils. A little bit of sweet malt mixed in as well.

T- Same as the aroma. Not complicated, just good.

F- As to be expected from a classically brewed Czech Pils, the body is on the lighter side of medium with low-moderate carbonation. I think the beer definitely could have benefited from a little more carbonation but it's fine the way it is.

O- Not the best Czech Pilsener I've had, but Staropramen is a good one. Solid flavour, well balanced, and easy drinking.

Feb 28, 2017

aleigator from Germany

3.44/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Yields a bright, golden color with a huge, fluffy white head.

Smells of a pleasantly funky, noble hoppiness, together with a good amount of straw and toffee malts. Has an unexpected orange-lime peak, which puts the focus even more on the hops.

Drinks fairly easy with a higher, soft carbonation and a nice, dry bite.

Tastes of straw, sweet and crisp with lots of cakey malts and a herbal note. The herbal hops develop a taste defining dryness onwards from the mid palate, which goes hand in hand with the malts, showcasing a great balance.

Light and refreshing with enough going on to entertain the palate.

Feb 19, 2017

Libeertarian from Montana

3.43/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

From notes taken 12/16/16:

Happened to find a glass for this. Fairly dark and dull for a pilsner, a light amber, a red gold, but exquisite clarity. Fine, delicate but dense, off-white head of lower retention, though filmy. Very honey-like aroma, little else. At the very least, I know it will be refreshing. Not skunky at all, in spite of green bottle. Honey still strong to taste, but balanced well with other grain qualities as well as floral hops in the background. Crisp finish. Medium-light body, with a powerful spritziness that soon develops into prickly cream and helps to cut any harsh or sweet graininess and just kicks the refreshment factor up a few notches. Far from my favorite style, but a decent example of it, especially the mouthfeel. If I was in the mood for something that wouldn’t wreck my palate, something just to drink to cool off, this would be acceptable.

Dec 31, 2016

fscottkey from New York

3.84/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: [3.50] The bottle lists the ABV (5.0%) and there is a best by date (03/17/2017). Super transparent apple juice color. The beer has a small 1/4 finger of head that is gone instantly.

S: [3.75] Corn, cereal, mild grape skins, crackers and dry bread.

T: [4.00] There is a fruity note up front that is not in the nose, golden raisin is the closest I can approximate. I am also getting a lot of the character of the nose. Corn, cereal, and crackers. Maybe a hint of apple on the finish.

M: [3.75] Cool crisp and refreshing. Elevated carbonation, but well within style.

O: [3.75] This is a well made lager. Really crisp and refreshing. The taste has some variety that makes it stand out above other lagers.

Aug 29, 2016

Bierliebhaber3 from Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

This pilsner pours a typical light yellow pilsner color with a medium white head. The smell is also typical of a pilsner, distinctly yeasty and slightly acrid. The taste is not typical of a pilsner, however, unless of course your typical pilsner is a Czech pilsner. The flavors are nothing ground breaking with yeast and pilsner malts dominating, but what is different is the incredible smoothness of this beer and the fact that it has none of acrid, slightly skunky flavor that I associate with the majority of pilsners. The body is light, but somehow still has a really nice malt character. When I went to Prague I didn’t believe the hype about their beer or I at least thought it wouldn’t apply to me (someone who finds pilsners to typically be a boring and in general underwhelming beer style). There really is something about the Czech pilsner that is different though, not to mention all the other great non-pilsner beers that are there. This is maybe not the best or most exciting Czech pilsner, but I think that it’s amazing that this is one of their mass produced variety and I find it better than 90 or 95% of pilsners that I have had. This is one of the few times that I will say that I think this pilsner is underrated. It must lose something on export to the US (maybe because of the green bottle) to be rated so low.

Jun 12, 2016

stevoj from Idaho

2.59/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Tap at La Cave. Disappointing for a Czech pils, as only the cereal grains come through. Lager notes everywhere, no crispness, no bite. Tastes like adjunct grains to boot. I had higher hopes.

Jun 09, 2016

archyquaffer from Montana

2.82/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75

This beer is slightly past the "best by" date of May 5, 2016 (reviewed in early June). I will therefore modify expectations somewhat. Poured from a green 11.2 ounce (one-third liter) bottle into my fancy Pilsener glass (decorated in gold leaf barley sprigs). A semi-aggressive pour produces a billowy 1.5 inch head of a milky white color which sticks pretty well to the glass. The beer is a ruddy golden color with carbonation verging on effervescent.

The aroma is heavily skunky accompanied by a minerally quality. The flavor is also skunky with some light malt sweetness shining through along with a little herbal bitterness. A lingering bit of tartness at the end with some lingering skunky bitterness. The skunk begins to wear out its welcome by the end of the bottle. I paid $1.59 for this beer, which is reasonable for something to try. Unfortunately, this beer is drinkable at first but soon fatigues the palate. Besides there is not much separating this from Heineken, Urquell, or any of a number of other mass-produced, Euro-green-skunk beers. I wonder about the possibility of light exposure of these green bottles…You can get quite a wide spectrum of light from the fluorescents used to light most grocery and liquor stores and especially display cases.

Jun 04, 2016

headlessparrot from Canada (ON)

3.53/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

The also-ran of Czech pilsners, Staropramen isn't a *bad* beer by any stretch of the imagination, but lacks the punch and the character of a lot of siblings--it's closer to the "Euro lager" style than Pilsner Urquell and Budvar and others.

Nice biscuit and herbal hop aroma (nice bitter greens, slight pepper, but fairly one-dimensional), but the taste is a bit thick and just way too velvety smooth for my tastes--yeasty, doughy, but only slight bittering hop character. Low-ish carbonation, slightly heavy body.

A good brew, but not my personal favourite.

Jun 04, 2016

uminocha from Virginia

4.63/5  rDev +37.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

spicy aroma with a hint of biscuit. gold color. flavor of biscuit and light toast. malt well balanced with hops that linger slightly. white head dissapates quickly with good lacing

Jun 01, 2016

mmmbeer89 from New Mexico

2.85/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A decent beer for it's style but it hardly has any smell and not a whole lot of flavor either except the typical skunky taste, it got a bit metallic as it got warmer. It has a light feel thats easy to drink.

Mar 23, 2016

Beginner2 from Illinois

3.4/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Decent at quenching thirst on a warm day.
Looks clear. Aroma clearly has more than barley, which is OK.
But as usual, the taste is less full, but smooth and balanced. The finish is pleasantly dry.
Overall, decent but unexciting.

Reviewed in MJ's 1999 edition, giving it 3 of 4 stars : notably soft and malty, with a full but delicate flavor."

Mar 04, 2016

detgfrsh from Texas

3.03/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

From a bottle marked best by 24 June 2016. Pours an amber color with two fingers of white head. Skunky aroma. Light mouthfeel, tastes of citrus and a little bit of hops. Fine for what it is, an easy to drink lager. Better than many others in the style because there's nothing weird about this one (sweetness, adjuncts, aftertaste, etc.). I'm not a huge fan of the style, so take my rating with a grain of salt.

Feb 27, 2016

DerAtomsmasher from Washington

3.16/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

If you're expecting sweetness from its relatively-dark-for-a-pilsner color, you'd be mistaken. Tastes remarkably flat to me. Certainly catty and herbaceous but without that initial hit of sweetness from an Urquell. Body's a little sticky & heavy for me.

Certainly not my go-to.

Feb 20, 2016