History
Pilsners dominate Americans’ perceptions of Czech beer, but the Central European country has a dark, beery secret. The second most popular beer in the Czech Republic is near-black tmavé pivo, or “dark beer,” a brewing style that actually predates pilsner – and is widely popular in Czech taverns.
At Prague’s oldest brewery, U Fleků, founded in 1499, you’re only going to drink tmavé pivo with your goulash. U Fleků doesn’t brew any other kind of beer. Czech dark lagers have the complexity of Bavarian Dunkels with the smooth dark color of Schwarzbiers.
pFriem’s Czech dark lager combines traditional floor malted pilsner and dark malts with debittered roast malt. Perle, Czech Saaz and Tettnang hops balance the malts and lend to a truly beautiful bouquet!
Tasting Notes
Burnt umber with dazzling ruby red hues, topped with a dense khaki foam. Full aromas of toasted bread, toffee, dates, and raison burst from the glass. Silky smooth flavors of milk chocolate, anise, and caramel deluge the taste buds. Finishes with a kiss of roasted malt and toffee.
Food Pairings
With just hint of roastiness, a good amount of complexity, and a well-balanced malt sweetness, tmavé pivo goes extremely well with traditional Czech recipes like goulash or svíčkova na smetaně, a roast beef tenderloin in a root-vegetable-scented cream sauce.
