Czech / Bohemian Pilsner

Lagers & PilsnersBJCP 3B

Difficulty: Advanced

Rich, golden, with Saaz hop character and bready malt

A rich, characterful, pale Czech lager with considerable malt and hop character and a long finish. Complex yet well-balanced and refreshing.

4.2-5.8%

ABV

30-45

IBU

7-14

EBC

2.3-2.6

CO₂ vol

1.044-1.06

Original Gravity (OG)

1.013-1.017

Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner

Typical Malts

● Pale Ale malt

Typical Hops

● Hallertau Mittelfrüh
● Tettnanger
● Saaz

Yeast

● Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23)

Style Requirements

Cold Ferment

Decoction

Typical Flavors

Saaz

bready

rich

golden

spicy

herbal

Commercial Examples

Pilsner Urquell

Budweiser Budvar

Staropramen

FAQ about Czech / Bohemian Pilsner

What is a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner?

A rich, characterful, pale Czech lager with considerable malt and hop character and a long finish. Complex yet well-balanced and refreshing.

How much alcohol does a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner have?

A Czech / Bohemian Pilsner typically has 4.2–5.8% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.044–1.06, final gravity from 1.013–1.017.

How bitter is a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner?

A Czech / Bohemian Pilsner has 30–45 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is moderate bitterness.

What ingredients do you need for a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner?

Typical malts: Pale Ale malt. Typical hops: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger, Saaz. Yeast: Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23).

Do you need special equipment for a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner?

Yes, a Czech / Bohemian Pilsner is a lager and requires fermentation at 8–12°C (46–54°F). You'll need a fermentation fridge or cool cellar. A decoction mash is also traditionally recommended.

Useful Calculators

IBU Calculator

Carbonation Calculator

Original Gravity Calculator

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