Kozel Dark

Also in the 24 hour non-stop across the road from my hotel in Prague was a bottle of Kozel Dark (3.8% abv). I had to pay a 'premium' of 30 crowns (~ £1) for this gem, but it was worth the extra.

My first experience with Kozel was on my last trip to Prague and I remember clearly how different it was to German Schwarzbiers such as Köstritzer. Where the German offering was dark pretty much in colour only, the Czech brewed Kozel is full of melanoids and a thick full body. This difference is something which is rarely acknowledged in craft brewing circles where Bohemium dark lagers tend to get lumped into the generic schwarzbier category with their softer German neighbours.

I don't need to go to much about how good this beer is. I am pretty suire that 90% plus of readers would already be educated in the delights of this gem. I did find this little paragraph here though which sums up my feelings.

"This beer came in its standard Czech 500 ml bottle and poured a dark ruby red, near black colour with a light tan head that swelled to about an inch before slowly settling. It had very little aroma, but I could sense the Saaz hops and slight burnt malt in it. The first taste had a full, but not too heavy taste of malt, and the Saaz could be felt on swallowing. Subsequent sips wend down smooth and easy.
It was a good drinking experience, and would likely go well with a steak dinner. But I don't think I would pay the full price for it. If I see it in the bargain bin again, I'll grab it."

http://www.kozel.cz/