Lagerboy Speaks – Žatec

Posted by on May 21, 2010 in Lagerboy | No Comments

‘Since 1004’ says the label, in a modest, small font. Žatec Blue Label Pilsner certainly comes with a history. In German the town is known as Saaz, which of course gives it’s name to the variety of hops commonly found in Bohemian pilsners – brewing certainly seems to be endemic to that part of the world. Lagerboy is always keen to tick off another of the Czech pilsners – there are so many, after all – and Žatec is one that had yet to pass his parched, chilled-beer seeking lips. Of course, the date on the label is a misnoma – the brewery wasn’t founded prior to the Norman conquest of Britain. 1004AD was the first date from which historical reference was made to the town of the same name – this particular Žatec brewery didn’t begin until 1800 (although beer has been made in the town since 1261, using the Saaz hops).

The beer pours like a true pilsner, with that characteristic straw-yellow colour and large, fast dispersing head. There’s quite a lot of carbonation going on, with several steady streams of rising bubbles. The smell is pretty average, not really much going on other than a slight maltiness – no spiciness to speak of from the Saaz. The taste carries on in the same vein, being frankly a bit boring compared with other Czech pilsners (such as Jever). That being said, it’s not unpleasant and it’s certainly not bad. There’s a slight malty sweetness with a touch of fruit from the hops. Žatec is very much a session pilsner – down the middle of the line – it doesn’t repel the taste buds, but it doesn’t fascinate them either.

Žatec Official Website

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