Czech Amber Lager

Overall Impression: Malt-driven amber Czech lager with
hop character that can vary from low to quite significant. The
malt flavors can vary quite a bit, leading to different
interpretations ranging from drier, bready, and slightly biscuity
to sweeter and somewhat caramelly.

Aroma: Moderate intensity, rich malt aroma that can be
either bready and Maillard product-dominant or slightly
caramelly and candy-like. Spicy, floral or herbal hop character
may be moderate to none. Clean lager character, though low
fruity esters (stone fruit or berries) may be present. Diacetyl is
optional and can range from low to none.

Appearance: Deep amber to copper color. Clear to bright
clarity. Large, off-white, persistent head.

Flavor: Complex malt flavor is dominant (medium to
medium-high), though its nature may vary from dry and
Maillard product-dominant to caramelly and almost sweet.
Some examples have a candy-like to graham-cracker malt
character. Low to moderate spicy hop flavor. Prominent but
clean hop bitterness provides a balanced finish. Subtle plum or
berry esters optional. Low diacetyl optional. No roasted malt
flavor. Finish may vary from dry and hoppy to relatively sweet.

Mouthfeel: Medium-full to medium body. Soft and round,
often with a gentle creaminess. Moderate to low carbonation.

Comments: The Czech name of the style is polotmavé pivo,
which translates as half dark. This style is a combination of the
Czech styles polotmavý ležák (11–12.9 °P) and polotmavé
speciální pivo (13–14.9 °P).