Samson 1795 Original Czech Dark Lager 500ML

Samson 1795 Original Czech Dark Lager 500ML is a 4.7% ABV Czech tmavé (dark lager) brewed with Saaz hops in České Budějovice, South Bohemia. Produced by První Budějovický Pivovar Samson — the first brewery established in České Budějovice, founded in 1795 — this dark lager draws on more than two centuries of Bohemian brewing tradition and earned an 84 rating on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7%  |  Origin: České Budějovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic  |  Style: Czech Dark Lager (Tmavé Pivo)  |  Brewery: První Budějovický Pivovar Samson

Production & Heritage

První Budějovický Pivovar Samson was established in 1795, making it the first brewery in České Budějovice — a city with a brewing pedigree that has shaped lager production worldwide. The dark lager is brewed with Czech barley malt, prized Saaz hops (along with hops extract), and pure artesian water drawn from 274 meters underground — a notably deep source that contributes to the beer's clean mineral profile. This expression sits alongside the brewery's broader range, which includes the Samson Bock that won "World's Best Bock Lager" at the 2022 World Beer Awards, underscoring the brewery's ability to produce exceptional lagers across multiple styles.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted malt leads, followed by toffee and caramel sweetness, with darker undertones of rye bread, raisin, and a dusting of cocoa powder. A subtle plum fruitiness rounds out the nose.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with roasted grain, chocolate, and caramel establishing the mid-palate. Coffee and dark bread flavors develop as it warms, balanced by a round, restrained hop bitterness courtesy of the Saaz hops. The body is moderate and approachable rather than heavy.

Finish: Medium in length with a sweet caramel aftertaste and lingering coffee notes. The roast character fades gently, leaving a clean and slightly bready close.

How to Drink Samson Dark Lager

Serve chilled at 6–8°C (43–46°F) in a Czech-style half-liter mug or tulip glass to let the malt aromatics open up. This dark lager is built for straightforward drinking on its own, but it also has enough roasted character to work in beer cocktails. Try it in a Black Velvet (topped with sparkling wine) where its caramel sweetness balances the acidity. It works in a Black and Tan layered beneath a stout for textural contrast. A Michelada is another option — the roasted malt and coffee backbone stands up to lime, hot sauce, and spice.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Czech dark lagers as a gateway style
• Pairing with hearty Central European comfort food
• Stocking a beer fridge with approachable imports under 5% ABV
• Exploring Bohemian brewing beyond pale lagers and pilsners

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Samson Dark Lager taste like? It delivers roasted malt, toffee, and coffee flavors balanced by moderate Saaz hop bitterness and a sweet caramel finish. The body is smooth and lighter than many dark beers, making it highly drinkable at 4.7% ABV.

How does Samson Dark Lager compare to Pilsner Urquell? Pilsner Urquell is a pale lager with pronounced Saaz hop bitterness and bready malt, while Samson Dark Lager shifts the focus to roasted malt, coffee, and caramel flavors with softer hop presence. Both are Czech lagers brewed with Saaz hops and local water, but they represent opposite ends of the Czech lager spectrum.

Is Samson Dark Lager good for beginners? Yes — at 4.7% ABV with a smooth, sweet-leaning malt profile, it serves as an accessible entry point into dark lagers without the heavy roast or high alcohol that can challenge newer beer drinkers.

Where is Samson Dark Lager made? It is brewed at První Budějovický Pivovar Samson in České Budějovice, a city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The brewery was founded in 1795 and uses artesian water sourced from 274 meters below ground.

What foods pair well with Samson Dark Lager? Roast pork or svíčková (Czech marinated beef) echoes the beer's caramel and roast character. Smoked sausages and charcuterie complement its malty sweetness. Dark rye bread with aged cheese mirrors the bread and cocoa notes. Rich stews like goulash match the beer's body. Dark chocolate desserts align naturally with the coffee and cocoa undertones.

What sizes does Samson Dark Lager come in? The standard format is a 500ml bottle, which aligns with traditional European half-liter serving sizes.

Is Samson Dark Lager worth the price? Samson Dark Lager positions as an entry-level to mid-range import, offering authentic Bohemian dark lager character from one of the Czech Republic's oldest breweries at a price point that competes favorably with other European import lagers.

Why Samson Dark Lager?

What separates this beer from generic dark lagers is provenance. První Budějovický Pivovar Samson is the original brewery of České Budějovice — a city synonymous with lager itself — and the artesian water drawn from 274 meters deep gives the beer a clean mineral backbone that many competitors lack. The brewery's credentials are further reinforced by the 2022 World Beer Awards "World's Best Bock Lager" win for its Samson Bock, demonstrating consistent quality across its range. For drinkers accustomed to Czech pale lagers, this dark expression reveals a different dimension of Bohemian brewing: restrained, malt-driven, and built around centuries of regional expertise rather than novelty.