Content Proudly Sponsored By

When it comes to classic European lagers, few styles capture the heart of beer lovers quite like Czech Premium Pale Lager. Known for its brilliant clarity, soft, decoction-derived malt character, and the unmistakable floral spice of Saaz hops, this style strikes a perfect balance between drinkability and depth. Born from the brewing traditions of Plzeň, it represents not just a beer, but a piece of brewing history. One that laid the foundation for countless pale lagers around the world.

Czech Premium Pale Lager is a masterclass in balance and technique, where rich malt complexity meets delicate hop expression, all wrapped up in a soft, rounded finish. In this article, we’ll explore the essential ingredients, methods, and traditional practices that define the style, along with a step-by-step recipe designed for homebrewers looking to capture authentic Czech character. From water chemistry to fermentation and lager temperatures.

Fun fact:
In Czech, they usually don’t call them “Pilsners” unless it’s Pilsner Urquell. They’re referred to by their degree Plato (like 10°, 11°, or 12°) and by category like Světlý Ležák (Pale Lager).

Recipe:
87% efficiency – calculate for 75% if not doing a decoction
Batch Volume: 5.5 gal / 20.82L
Boil Time: 60 min
Mash Water: 4.55 gal / 17.24L
Sparge Water: 3.13 gal / 11.85L
Total Water: 7.69 gal / 29.11L
Boil Volume: 6.8 gal / 25.71L
Pre-Boil Gravity: 1.049
Original Gravity: 1.055 / 13.75°P
Final Gravity: 1.014
IBU (Tinseth): 34
BU/GU: 0.62
Color: 3.5 SRM 

Mash
Protein — 122 °F / 50 °C — 15 min
Alpha — 146 °F / 63.3 °C — 30 min
Beta — 160 °F / 71.1 °C — 30 min
Decoction — 210 °F / 98.9 °C — 15 min
Mashout — 170 °F / 76.7 °C — 15 min

Malt
10 lb 1.6 oz / 4.58 kg (100%) — Floor-Malted Bohemian Pilsner Malt or MCM Bavarian Pilsner Malt

Hops – 34 IBUs
2 oz / 56.7g (18 IBU) — Saaz 2.4% — First Wort
1 oz / 28.35g (11 IBU) — Saaz 3.2% — 60 min
1 oz / 28.35g (6 IBU) — Saaz 2.4% — 30 min
1 oz / 28.35g — Saaz 2.4% — 0 min

Yeast
1 pkg — WLP802 Czech Budejovice Lager or Imperial Yeast L28 Urkel
Save 5% off your order at Yeast Man by using code “MashMag”

Fermentation
Primary — 52 °F / 11.1 °C — 6 days
Diacetyl — 58 °F / 14.4 °C — 10 days
Cold Crash — 38 °F / 3.3 °C — 3 
Note: I like to start my diacetyl rest when fermentation is 70% complete.

Target Water Profile
Ca²⁺ 23
Mg²⁺ 3
Na⁺ 1
Cl^– 38
SO₄^2- 16
HCO₃^– 0

This recipe placed first place in its category in the 2025 World Cup of Beer Homebrew Competition, and first place in the 2025 First Round National Homebrew Competition in Longemont. Cheers!

By Jordan V, Billy’s Tavern Homebrewing

Jordan is a California native. When he is not brewing he can be found drinking beer with friends, duck hunting, and getting lost in a good book or video game. When he is not out on an adventure with his wife, he can be found at home with his two lovable dogs. Stay up to date by following him on Instagram.

Subscribe to enter to win yeast! New winner, new strain every month!