Czech Dark is Back!
Since we first introduced Bruz Czech Dark Lager a couple years ago, it has been a fan-favorite. But why would a Belgian style brewery put out a Czech-style beer, you might ask? Simple. Czech beers are in the DNA of Belgian brewers. Belgian lager brewers have held Czech brewers in high esteem for over 100 years.
Well before Stella Artois was introduced as a Christmas beer in 1926 (Stella = Star—as in the Christmas Star) the cutting-edge Artois brewery and other lager brewers were heavily influenced by Czech brewers. In the early days, Artois brewers not only used Czech brewing techniques, but used 100% Czech barley malt and 100% Saaz hops. A lot of this tradition continues today. So, as a Belgian-style brewer, why not make one of the great beers of the Czechian brewing tradition.
So, What’s a Czech Dark Lager?
As a beer style, Czech dark lagers don’t receive nearly the acclaim of Czech pale lagers—not even in the Czech Republic. “Tmavé Pivo” (Dark Beer) is not like any other European dark beers. Its trademarks are full body and high drinkability, a concept that is intertwined with Belgian beer traditions. It has a “hint” of roast, but is not a roast-forward beer like German Schwarzbiers or Dunkels, or many American dark beers. The focus is on balance, a key characteristic of Belgian brewing, so Czech Darks are not too roasty, too sweet, too bitter, or too coffee-like. No flavor element is overly dominant.
Bruz Czech Dark Lager
Our version of this beer style is a deep coppery brown color with garnet highlights and a dense tan head. Its aroma contains a hint of roasty grains and caramel. Flavors of roasted barley malt, caramel, chocolate, and noble hops dance on the palate in harmonious balance—producing a full-flavored brew that will have you wanting a second one. And that’s not a problem with its session strength of 4.8% ABV.
Bruz Czech Dark Lager is a great fall lager that colors outside the lines a little—and is all the better for it. Available on draft and in 16-oz cans at both Bruz taprooms--In Midtown at 67th & Pecos and in Denver at Colfax and York.
