pFriem Czech Dark Lager by pFriem Family Brewers is a Czech Dark Lager and is being evaluated as a Czech Dark Lager (category 3D in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Czech Dark Lagers are dark copper to black lagers with a rich maltiness. The malt flavors of Czech Dark Lagers can vary from bread crust-like, caramel or toast. The hop levels of Czech Dark Lagers can vary widely as well; the range can be from absent to moderate-low, but when present the hop flavor is typically spicy.

Czech-Style Dark Lager pours dark copper in color with excellent clarity and a huge tan head. The aroma is of moderate malt reminiscent of bread crusts with lighter roasted notes; the hops are lightly spicy and no esters are present. The flavor is again moderately bread crust-like malt with a hint of roasted malt. The beer finishes lightly bitter with rich bready and bread crust malt flavors with a lightly sharp roasted malt in a dry finish.

Czech-Style Dark Lager is a very well-brewed dark lager. The malt character is rich, yet the beer remains quite quaffable without being heavy or sweet. The light roasted character is a little unusual for a Czech Dark Lager, but it suits the beer well, adding malt complexity, balance and a dry finish that aids in quaffability. Na Zdraví!