Czech Premium Pale Lagers (also known as Czech Pilseners) are an interesting breed. They’re flavorful yet refreshing and one of the few lagers in which diacetyl is acceptable. This example begins with a clean, sweet, pils-like malt aroma that isn’t overly bready or grainy. A very low honey aroma (from the malt) is in the background. There is also a distinct, moderate Saaz hop aroma that is characteristic of the style. This beer pours a yellow-gold color with a dense, white head. It tastes hoppy (Saaz again) with a sensation of hop oil. The malt flavor is bready and simple but also rich and balanced evenly with a firm and rounded bitterness. This beer has a medium body but feels fuller. It finishes on the crisp end of the spectrum with medium-high carbonation. This example achieves a great deal with a seemingly simple set of ingredients; it’s a gem.