Czech Beer Scene 2019

Discussion in 'Rest of Europe' started by TigerDriver91, Jan 9, 2019.

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  1. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    Thought I'd start a thread to keep track of what's going on in the Czech Beer Scene, as a sort of resource and information for people maybe visiting here, resources for beer bars, breweries, bottle shops, etc as well as if anyone else from here wants to post recommendations, updates, new beers, etc.

    My favorite bottle shops thus far:
    Base Camp
    Napoje Bubenec
    BeerGeek
    Bad Flash

    My favorite beer bars thus far:
    Beer Geek
    Bad Flash
    Diego


    My favorite breweries so far:
    Wild Creatures
    Matuska
    Zichovec
    Cerny Potoka
    Sv. Norbert Stahov Monastery
    Clock
    Zhurak
    Sibeeria


    It seems to me right now the scene is a bit plagued with beers being labeled as "NE IPA" without actually being new england style at all. Mainly just thin, slightly hazy, low bitterness IPAs as opposed to the turbid, thick mouthfeel and body, and overly hoppy IPAs being done state side.

    This new one from Cerny Potoka is probably the best and most authentic one of the style I have had here thus far, and Nelson, Galaxy, Citra is a great hop combo:




    Incredible and very impressive sours are being done by Wild Creatures:
    https://www.instagram.com/wildcreaturesbrewery/
     
    #1 TigerDriver91, Jan 9, 2019
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  2. 77black_ships

    77black_ships Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2012 Belgium

    I went to Prague and Pilsen in December. Lots to be had and seen be beer-wise not to mention that Prague is a truly beautiful city. I did feel like some classical breweries were being too safe or even a subpar since they know that the local market for local beers at a good price point is huge. Modern styles are usually subpar but above mentioned breweries do a solid job and are at the top. Local interest for those is still quite limited.

    Note that there are actually two Bad Flash bars one in Vršovice and one in Karlín. Second being newer and flashier, slightly preferred it but they are both on about the same level and worth visiting and more guest taps at the original one.

    I would also like to add Zlý Časy as an essential place in Prague, best selection that I saw for a more classical Czech bar. Actually 3 bars located in the same building sometimes all open at once with all different tap totalling to almost 50 taps and really stellar selection of modern and classical Czech craft.

    Quite a few new bars in the more central area with 20 odd taps giving flights at slightly elevated prices catering to beer loving tourists. Most of these are quite good like Nubeerbar, 20 Pip or Craft House Prague.

    Klub Malých Pivovarů is probably most essential and top beer place in Pilsen.

    U Kunštátů is the only bar in Prague where I think I saw Wild Creatures, prices were high by local standards and international even a bit, I didn’t go any beer stores while there.
     
    #2 77black_ships, Jan 9, 2019
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  3. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    Things are really changing -- I was in Prague in October and I already have half a dozen new places to check out on my next trip (hopefully May)

    I added 34 new places to my guide (www.BeerGuidePRG.com) in 2018 -- though to be fair not all were new, many just new to me :slight_smile: -- Lots of good traditional styles being brewed as well as more modern "Craft"
     
    #3 FrankenBier, Jan 10, 2019
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  4. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    It is exciting to see breweries here get started with barrel programs, especially in the stout and barleywine direction.

    Matuska recently put out a barrel aged barleywine which is solid, has a very nice whiskey presence actually. Per their facebook, they also recently loaded a stout into Jim Beam barrels. As long as they will leave this beer in the barrels long enough, I expect it to also be solid.

    Sibeeria also recently released a barrel aged stout called Sacred Geometry of Wood. I have a bottle of this but have not yet cracked it open. Will report back afterwards but my gut feeling is that it will be solid but on the thin side as the abv is only around 9%. My understanding is this was aged in scotch barrels and they will be releasing another one aged in bourbon barrels.

    Zichovec also recently acquired some barrels, seems some will be used for wild ales and some bourbon barrels which I expect for a stout or barleywine.



    Regardless, excited to see this happening here !
     
    #4 TigerDriver91, Jan 10, 2019
  5. MikeJet32

    MikeJet32 Aspirant (261) Apr 14, 2017 Illinois
    Trader

    Heading to Prague (along with Vienna) next summer. Will keep an eye on this thread. Cheers!
     
    #5 MikeJet32, Jan 10, 2019
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  6. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    please bring me some 2018 regular bourbon county, i will pay you lol
     
    #6 TigerDriver91, Jan 17, 2019
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  7. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    quick update on semi recent stuff I have tried:

    I thought this was pretty solid, hint of smokiness from the scotch barrels, decent body and mouthfeel. There was a slight tartness to this that I was not a big fan of, but it was enjoyable and I am looking forward to the bourbon barrel aged one.
    [​IMG]


    Clock has been doing this prototype series, which has been interesting. The prototype sour was especially good. Sweet up front, but then slightly tart and dry in the finish:
    [​IMG]

    Zichovec continues their NE IPA single hop series with a Amarillo version. I think I preferred this one to the previous citra version and I'm excited for what they do next.
    [​IMG]

    Wild Creatures continues to be the best and most interesting Czech brewery in my opinion. This apricot version of Fly With Me is unreal and I need to get some more bottles of it. Fans of wild beers will love this. I would love to make a trip out to their brewery when the weather gets nice.
    [​IMG]
     
    #7 TigerDriver91, Jan 17, 2019
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  8. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    #8 TigerDriver91, Jan 23, 2019
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  9. fyinto

    fyinto Initiate (0) Jan 29, 2019 Germany

    Recommendations for great classic (& good young breweries) 10 & 12 Svetly Lezak, Tmavy Lezak and Polomavys? Any particular interesting takes?

    And lightly smoked Czech lagers?
     
    #9 fyinto, Jan 29, 2019
  10. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    Hostomice and Únětice are my go tos. Be aware that the 10º beer is most likely called a Světlé Výčepní (may also be called Desítka -- "10") Ležák is reserved for beers of 11º up to (but not including) 13º (at which point beers become Speciál) (I was told that there was a move to relax this and that may have happened but I'd guess most places will still adhere to the old ways)

    Years ago I would have included Koutský 10° & 12º in the list (Pivovar Kout na Šumave) but I've been really disappointed in them the past few years. Though I understand they have a new brewer and the beers may be better (I last had it in October)

    Hostomice makes a nice Tmavý 14°

    I'm sure I've had some smoked lagers but I can't remember any off hand. My bar is fairly high for those (as my "avatar" is a mug of Spezial Lagerbier :slight_smile: )
     
    #10 FrankenBier, Jan 29, 2019
  11. fyinto

    fyinto Initiate (0) Jan 29, 2019 Germany

    Hei Fred! :beers:
    I noticed the variation in the Kout last December. Hope they manage to return to quality.
    If I'd assemble a list of obtainable beers in the 20th century czech style below 7ish %, do you feel something particular missing?

    Desitka - 10
    Kout, Uneticky

    Jedenackta - 11 / Svetly Lezak - 12
    Vinohradský, Hostimice, Brevnosky Klasterni, U Tří Růží, Frydlant, Matuska, Uneticky, Chomout, Kamenice nad Lipou, Kout, PU unfiltered

    Tmavy - 13
    U Fleku, Herold, Kostelec, Detenicke

    Tmavy - 14
    Kout, Sup, Klasterni Stahov, Hostimice, Matuska

    Polomavy - 13
    Klasterni Strahov, Vinohradská, Antos

    Special - 13
    Chodovar

    And I'm unsure about the 'smoked' czech lager. I recall reading about it in some book, but never actually had one that fitted the description. Rather than resembling the Bamberg smoke style it referenced it touch of smoked malt barely noticable closer to Seinsheimer Danzbier.
     
    #11 fyinto, Jan 29, 2019
  12. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    Looks like a great list. I was really impressed with the beers at the OSSEGG (Vinohrady) brewpub/taproom and that will be one to watch. I also can't wait to try the beers at Dva kohouti (Karlín) where Adam Matruška is a partner.
     
    #12 FrankenBier, Jan 29, 2019
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  13. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    It is a shame that Evan Rail (@EvanRail) is not active on BA. I would like to hear his insights in this thread discussion. In particular whether there is a recent 'issue' at Pivovar Kout na Šumave.

    Na zdravi!
     
    #13 JackHorzempa, Jan 29, 2019
  14. FrankenBier

    FrankenBier Zealot (645) Feb 4, 2003 California

    #14 FrankenBier, Jan 29, 2019
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  15. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    I was at Dva Kohouti about a week ago. Very, very cool place, and location for the after work crowd in that area. I'm not a big Czech lager guy in general, so I didn't try the lager they have exclusively brewed for Dva Kohouti on tap, but the Matuska IPAs I had tasted were very fresh, and they are also doing crowlers there. Definitely recommend checking it out. Also think it will be great for summer as they have a huge space for an outdoor patio area, as well as with the possibility of being able to grab a fresh crowler to bring with you to the park or whatever.
     
    #15 TigerDriver91, Jan 30, 2019
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  16. j_deer

    j_deer Aspirant (261) Mar 15, 2013 Massachusetts

    I have been going through the old threads and coming up with a list, but since this seems to be geared to 2019, I am visiting Pilsen and Prague towards the end of March for a 4 days, and wondering what would be considered the essential spots to visit right now - a mix of old school and new. And since my wife isnt the biggest beer drinker, any recommendations for a good dinner spot that is wine forward?
     
    #16 j_deer, Feb 6, 2019
  17. SpauldingSmails

    SpauldingSmails Zealot (602) Sep 11, 2014 Massachusetts

    I am doing a week in Prague in early August. I'm really mostly interested in the native styles, particularly the pils, but I am new at the lager lingo.
     
    #17 SpauldingSmails, Feb 14, 2019
  18. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    #18 JackHorzempa, Feb 14, 2019
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  19. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    I have to admit, I am not big on Czech lagers in general, I find there is a way higher tolerance for diacetyl in the Czech lager.

    Can anyone recommend some Czech lagers that are on the lower end of detectable diacetyl? Thanks in advance.
     
    #19 TigerDriver91, Feb 15, 2019
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  20. TigerDriver91

    TigerDriver91 Zealot (741) Jan 17, 2017 Czechia

    so far I have found that I really really like Uneticke 10 and Uneticke 12 for Czech lagers. Also a kind of 'rustic' feel to them, which is very nice.
     
    #20 TigerDriver91, Feb 16, 2019
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