Commercial Examples
Bernard svetle pivo 10, Breznak Svetle vycepni pivo, Notch Session Pils, Primator Antonin svetle vycepni, Radegast Razna 10, Uneticke pivo 10.
Black Flannel Academy
Czech Pale Lager
bottom-fermented
Visual reference: Hofbräuhaus Helles. Not a confirmed example of Czech Pale Lager. Photo: 74ka / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0. Display crops and resized versions are available under the same license.
A lighter-bodied, rich, refreshing, hoppy, bitter pale Czech lager having the familiar flavors of the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager (Pilsner-type) beer but in a lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and slightly less intense format.
Color
3 – 6 SRM
Bitterness
20 – 35 IBU
Alcohol
3.0 – 4.1% ABV
Sweetness
Balance
Bitterness is prominent but never harsh.
History
Historical Development
Josef Groll created two pale beer varieties in 1842-3; this lighter version is the most consumed type of beer in the Czech Republic at present.
Modern Evolution
Classic characteristics
Appearance
Light yellow to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear, with a long-lasting, creamy white head.
Aroma
Light to moderate bready-rich malt combined with light to moderate spicy or herbal hop bouquet; the balance between the malt and hops may vary.
Flavor
Medium-low to medium bready-rich malt flavor with a rounded, hoppy finish. Low to medium-high spicy or herbal hop flavor. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body. Moderate carbonation.
Flavor Profile Deep Dive
Service notes
BJCP designation
Overall Impression: A lighter-bodied, rich, refreshing, hoppy, bitter pale Czech lager having the familiar flavors of the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager (Pilsner-type) beer but in a lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and slightly less intense format.
Comments: The Czech name of the style is svetle vycepni pivo.
Style Comparison: A lighter-bodied, lower-intensity, refreshing, everyday version of Czech Premium Pale Lager.
Vital Statistics: OG: 1.028 – 1.044 | FG: 1.008 – 1.014 | IBUs: 20 – 35 | SRM: 3 – 6 | ABV: 3.0 – 4.1%
Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.
Brewers Association designation
Style comparison
Ingredients
Grain Bill
Soft water with low sulfate and carbonate content. Traditional Czech hops. Czech Pilsner malt. Czech lager yeast.
Brewing process
Food pairings
Spirit pairings
The soundtrack
Keep exploring
- BJCP Guidelines: 3A (Czech Pale Lager)
- Beer Judge Certification Program: BJCP Official Guidelines