Budweiser Budvar (Czechvar) 12°

Brewed by Budweiser Budvar Ceske Budejovice
Style: Bohemian Pilsener
České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Back from a Czech Republic pub-crawl this is part of my express ratings for the “typical” Světlý 11°- (Czech light Pils), Světlý 12°+ (Czech Pils), Polotmavý (Czech Amber Lagers) and Tmavý (Czech Black Lagers). Non-typical beers will receive personalized descriptions after the express ratings.
-------- /> How: Tap late-night (when all the good beer bars are closed) at some very cool pub in Prague but with a sucky beer selection
The look: Clear blonde body with a short-lived white head
To me a typical Czech Světlý 12° and above is: Well malted body with plenty of biscuits and cereals. Sweetness level is in the light-medium range with some honey flavours and a light caramel presence (3/4 honey, 1/4 caramel). Fruity flavour limited to a light citrus flavour. Medium carbonation. Finish is dry and moderately bitter with a light citric touch. After-taste of dry grassy/herbal hops with a light dry spiciness character.
This one: As above but watered down and way too clean. Lacks character compared to most other Czech Světlýs. Way superior to the North America beer with the same name. I just had to try the original on tap.

Single bottle from Total Wine in Jacksonville, FL. Pours a nice golden color with a small head. Aroma is a light malt nose. Taste is smooth, with a bit of a hops bite on the end, but yet this is another good example of what the Czechs do right with their beer

12 0z. bottle, no head at all slight bitter taste, smooth though with some hops also

On tap in Praha. Golden colour with small white head. Hoppy aroma, smooth on the palate.. An enjoyable pilsener.

Pretty golden color. Fluffy but thin head, no lacing at all. Nose of malt and corn. Grainy taste with a slightly hoppy finish. A reasonably good Pilsener, but not an outstanding one. I like Urquel much better.

On tap in a Czechvar glass. Golden beer with white head. Crisp malt/hop aroma. Body is medium overall, but good for a pilsener. Not as full and sweet as Pilsener Urquell. Dry, hoppy finish. Pleasant beer.

Bottle poured into footed pilsner- poured transparent light golden yellow, thin white head went away a little too quickly as desired, no lacing, very light carbonation. Aroma of light malt and grass. Hits the mouth with a defined light body, malt is easily detectable and even enjoyable, finish has a slightly bitter finish. When compared in a double blind taste test set up by the bartender, I prefered this over the US version of Budweiser. And I kinda like USA Bud... take that for what it is. Good example of the style.

At La Tortula. Bottle: Crisp, clean, refreshing. Hops present at a lighter scale that other pilseners. Good session beer.