Czech Dark Lager (2024)

I find the Czech dark lager achieves the full, rich, sweet maltiness that Munich dark promises, but so often fails to deliver. Nothing is more disappointing than a thin, dry Dunkel.

 

Except maybe a roasty, thin, dry Dunkel.

 

I believe killing joke worked that clock into the artwork of one of their albums. I also have a beer stein brought to me by my parents when they vacationed in Prague that has it featured on it.

 

A new noteworthy/uncommon event showcasing dark lagers (e.g. German, Czech), assuming one is near/can trek to Eugene, OR –





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Will softly link Jeff Alworth’s piece on Schwartz, from the other day –

• Schwarzbier: The Enigmatic Dark Lager | Craft Beer & Brewing (beerandbrewing.com)

 

Glad to hear about this trend in the USA. I've enjoyed a good number of these in the Czech Republic. Perhaps the most memorable one was in a 2 liter playoff bottle (yup, like a US soda) that I took on a canoe trip from Ceske Budevice.

 

It was not a Dark Lager but I enjoyed drinking Únětické 10° that was in a plastic bottle (purchased at the brewery) during my visit to the Czech Republic in 2019:



https://www.morebeer.com/articles/Czech_Beers

Na Zdravi

 

I recently reacquainted myself with this style, and it immediately sparked a renewed interest. Imperial stouts make up something like 75% of my beer consumption, but their calorie content can make them unfriendly to maintenance of a healthy body composition. I've found that the tmavé pivo style can scratch the itch for that flavor profile remarkably well without the same risk of packing on unwanted pounds. Sure, you sacrifice something (well, a lot) in viscosity, but it's less likely to leave you feeling bloated as a result. I've been buying these up every time I see one land at my local shops as a result.

 

How often do you find Czech Dark Lagers at your local shops?

I am fortunate that I can sometimes find Czech Dark Lagers at my local craft breweries but they are rotating brands and more often than not available only on draft (e.g., via a Lukr side-pull faucet).

Every once in a blue moon I find canned versions of Czech Dark Lager.

Cheers!

 

Unfortunately, not as often as I'd like. In the five months since I reinvigorated my thirst for the style, I think I've only picked up two unique labels.

 

I hear you here.

Ironically I placed one of my homebrewed Czech Dark Lagers in my refrigerator early this morning. I intend to enjoy it while watching some sports later today (I am hoping the Phillies game can get played despite stupid Ophelia).

My wife produced a nice label for this beer, branding it as Dark Angel:



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Make that three! Just noticed my local brewery re-released one a few weeks ago.

 

Third time's a charm!

I am enjoying my homebrewed Czech Dark Lager right now as I watch the Phillies beat the Mets (at the moment).

Na Zdravi

 

I might have posted this one on this thread before, but since I really like it, I’m posting it anyway! Nepenthe Brewing Company, “Terminal Exodus “ Czech-Style Dark Lager!

 

Human Robot has their Tmavy 13° back on draft (via side pull faucet), and back available in cans.

I enjoyed a mug of it at their Jenkintown location last weekend and brought home a couple of 4-packs.

 

Local brewery Lumberbeard just put on a Czech Dark Lager yesterday. It was quite tasty.

 

Anyone in Pa who has access to Wallenpaupack Brewing, their Black Diamond lager just got released. Really tasty!

 

A couple of days ago I purchased a four-pack of Jack's Abby Bohemian Dusk at my local Wegmans supermarket. I have not had the chance to drink one yet but in a week or two I will be discussing this beer in the NBW thread (maybe a side-by-side with my homebrewed Czech Dark Lager?).

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I got a local one from Sapwood Cellars very solid!

 

I really enjoyed this one. Here’s a picture of it, and my thoughts from another thread:

“Had Bohemian Dusk and Red Tape tonight. Was interesting to have them back to back. Canned the same date, 10/12.

Dusk is slightly darker but the colors are close, which is odd. Czech Dark’s are usually quite black.

I would say the Dunkel is maltier, but Dark is maybe slightly hoppier and smoother. They’re both decocted but I think the former is single and the latter double.

The malt profile in Dusk being smoother and perhaps breadier could be due to double decoction. I prefer this beer, plus it’s 4.5% compared to 5% for Red Tape, so it’s more impressive and sessionable.

I like both, and it’s not fair to compare two different styles. But it was a fun comparison with two dark lagers, one Czech and one German styled, canned on the same date from the same brewery.”

 

Though Czech style Dark Lagers have become a regular feature at US breweries, I don't think you can find a single example from the Czech Republic in stores. I have trouble believing that they even taste similar at all at this point, but it has been years since I have been over there. Drinking an Off Color Ten Crowns right now and would bet this is much better than any Czech option.