{"title":"Bernard","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bernard-bohemian-lager-4pk","title":"Bernard Bohemian Lager 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBernard Bohemian Lager 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is an unfiltered, unpasteurized Czech pale lager brewed at 5.0% ABV by one of Bohemia's oldest family breweries. At the 2025 Lyon International Wine Competition, it earned the Trophy for Best Beer from the Czech Republic alongside a Silver medal — recognition that confirms its standing among the finest traditional lagers in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Humpolec, Czech Republic  |  Style: Czech Pale Lager (Světlý Ležák)  |  Brewery: Rodinný pivovar Bernard\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bernard Family Brewery was founded in 1597 in Humpolec, in the heart of central Bohemia. Production follows a traditional Czech double decoction mashing technique, using barley that germinates on the malting floors of Bernard's own malt house — a practice that stretches back centuries. The lager is brewed with prepared Saaz hops and hop extract, then matured in lager cellars for several weeks before being released without filtration or pasteurization, preserving the living yeast character and delivering a completely natural Bohemian lager experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fresh baked bread and lightly toasted grain, moving into herbal, earthy Saaz hop character with a gentle grassy lift. There is a clean, almost open-air freshness underneath that signals the unpasteurized nature of the beer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is mildly sweet with a lush, bready malt body carrying subtle caramelization. At mid-palate, spicy-herbal and slightly woody hop notes emerge alongside a pleasant yeasty depth. Moderate bitterness builds steadily, balancing the malt sweetness without sharpness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a lingering toasty, earthy character and gentle hop spice. The finish is clean and dry, encouraging another sip without any cloying residual sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bernard Bohemian Lager\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled at 6–8°C (43–46°F) in a Czech-style half-liter glass or Teku glass to allow the unfiltered character and foam cap to develop fully. This lager is best enjoyed on its own or alongside food, where its moderate carbonation and full body shine. For a Michelada, the bready malt and herbal bitterness stand up well to lime and hot sauce. In a Shandy, the earthy Saaz hops complement fresh lemon without becoming too bitter. For a classic Lager and Lime, the clean finish and mild sweetness make it an ideal base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a beer enthusiast to authentic Czech brewing traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend barbecue or outdoor gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a curated European lager tasting flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates craft and heritage brewing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bernard Bohemian Lager taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a bready, lightly toasted malt character balanced by spicy, herbal Saaz hop bitterness and a pleasant yeasty depth. The overall profile is clean, full-bodied, and naturally fresh from being unfiltered and unpasteurized.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bernard Bohemian Lager compare to Pilsner Urquell?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Czech pale lagers brewed with Saaz hops, but Bernard is unfiltered and unpasteurized, giving it a hazier appearance and a more pronounced yeast character. Pilsner Urquell is filtered and pasteurized, resulting in a crisper, more polished profile with sharper hop bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bernard Bohemian Lager good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its full body, moderate carbonation, and layered malt-hop balance make it a rewarding standalone drink. The unpasteurized character adds complexity that rewards slow, attentive drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bernard Bohemian Lager made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is brewed at the Bernard Family Brewery (Rodinný pivovar Bernard) in Humpolec, located in the central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. The brewery has been producing beer at this site since 1597.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bernard Bohemian Lager?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast pork or svíčková (Czech marinated beef) complement the toasty malt base. Grilled sausages work well with the herbal hop bitterness. Aged Gouda or Emmental echo the caramel malt notes. Fresh pretzels with mustard match the bready character. Pan-fried freshwater fish pairs naturally with the clean, earthy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bernard Bohemian Lager come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This product is sold as a 4-pack, and Bernard lagers are commonly available in 330ml and 500ml bottle formats depending on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bernard Bohemian Lager worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bernard positions as a premium import Czech lager, priced above mass-market pilsners but justified by its unpasteurized production, own-malted barley, and traditional double decoction process — qualities rarely found at this tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bernard Bohemian Lager?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery few Czech lagers reaching international markets remain both unfiltered and unpasteurized, and fewer still use barley floor-malted on-site. Bernard's commitment to the traditional double decoction method and chemical-free production sets it apart from pasteurized competitors that sacrifice living character for shelf stability. The 2025 Lyon International Wine Competition Trophy for Best Beer from the Czech Republic and an 89-point rating from Tastings.com validate what the brewing process promises. For anyone seeking an authentic Bohemian lager with genuine craft provenance and over four centuries of history behind it, Bernard is a benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bernard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838512754857,"sku":"29627","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"bernard-dark-lager-4pk","title":"Bernard Dark Lager 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBernard Dark Lager 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is an unpasteurized Czech dark lager (tmavý ležák) at 5.1% ABV, sold in a four-pack of 330ml bottles. A 2025 World Beer Awards Silver medalist, this unfiltered lager from one of Bohemia's oldest breweries stands apart through its use of four distinct malts and a live fine yeast culture that remains in the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.1%  |  Origin: Humpolec, Vysočina Region, Czech Republic  |  Style: Czech Dark Lager (Tmavý Ležák)  |  Brewery: Bernard Family Brewery (est. 1597)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bernard Family Brewery has operated in the town of Humpolec since 1597, making it one of the Czech Republic's most storied brewing houses. The brewery has earned Brewery of the Year eight times from the Czech-Moravian Association of Beer Friends — a testament to its consistency across decades. Bernard Dark Lager is brewed with a blend of caramel, Bavarian, Pilsner, and colour malts, hopped with noble Saaz hops, and left unfiltered and unpasteurized with a fine yeast culture still active in the bottle. The brewery sources traditional floor-malted barley from its humno malt house in Rajhrad u Brna, a labor-intensive process that yields malt especially suited to classic Czech brewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toasted malt and roasted grain lead, followed by caramel sweetness and a subtle waft of fresh coffee grounds. A faint cherry-like dark fruit note emerges underneath, adding complexity without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and malt-forward, with immediate caramel and coffee flavors settling onto the mid-palate. Nutty, toasted bread and dark chocolate develop through the middle, while the bitterness of Saaz hops remains restrained but present, providing structure rather than sharpness. A hint of red fruit weaves through on the back end.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry and moderately long, with lingering toast, dark bread crust, and roasty coffee. A mild, clean bitterness keeps the finish from becoming cloying, inviting the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bernard Dark Lager\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour slowly into a Czech-style half-liter glass or tulip to preserve the fine yeast sediment and develop the aroma; serving at 6–8°C (43–46°F) brings out the malt complexity without muting the hop character. This is a beer built for drinking on its own, but it also works well in beer-based mixed drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Velvet\u003c\/strong\u003e (equal parts dark lager and sparkling wine) showcases the roasty depth against bright effervescence. A \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the coffee and caramel undertones playing against lime and hot sauce. A \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e made with fresh lemon juice lightens the malt body for warmer-weather drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Czech dark lager for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a hearty winter dinner of roasted meats or stew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a craft beer enthusiast curious about traditional European brewing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a home bar with a food-friendly, sessionable dark beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bernard Dark Lager taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bernard Dark Lager delivers a malt-driven profile of coffee, caramel, toasted bread, and dark chocolate, balanced by gentle Saaz hop bitterness and a dry, clean finish. Despite its dark color, it drinks lighter than many stouts or porters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bernard Dark Lager compare to Kozel Dark?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Czech tmavé pivo, but Bernard is unfiltered and unpasteurized with live yeast, giving it a fuller, more complex malt character and slightly rustic texture. Kozel Dark is more widely available and tends toward a smoother, simpler caramel sweetness that makes it broadly approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bernard Dark Lager good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its moderate 5.1% ABV, restrained bitterness, and naturally sweet malt flavors make it an excellent entry point into dark lagers for anyone who typically drinks lighter styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bernard Dark Lager made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bernard Dark Lager is brewed at the Bernard Family Brewery in Humpolec, a small town in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. The brewery has been producing beer at this location since 1597.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bernard Dark Lager?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast pork or svíčková (Czech marinated beef) complements the caramel and coffee malt notes. Smoked sausages echo the toasty, roasted character. Aged Gouda or Gruyère mirrors the nutty undertones. Dark chocolate desserts — especially flourless chocolate cake — harmonize with the beer's cocoa-like depth. Hearty mushroom soup draws out the earthy, bread-crust qualities of the malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bernard Dark Lager come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bernard Dark Lager is commonly available in 330ml bottles sold in four-packs, which is the standard export format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bernard Dark Lager worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bernard Dark Lager positions as a premium import Czech lager, sitting above mass-market dark beers like Kozel Dark but remaining accessible for regular drinking. The unpasteurized, unfiltered production method and traditional floor-malted barley justify its place at the upper end of the everyday dark lager category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bernard Dark Lager?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew dark lagers on the market arrive unfiltered, unpasteurized, and brewed with four separate malt varieties from a brewery operating since the late 16th century. The 2025 World Beer Awards Silver medal confirms what Czech beer drinkers have long recognized: Bernard's tmavý ležák is among the finest widely available examples of the style. The use of traditional floor-malted barley — a process most breweries abandoned decades ago for cost reasons — gives this lager a depth of grain character difficult to replicate with modern malting. For anyone seeking an authentic Czech dark lager with genuine provenance, Bernard delivers substance over marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bernard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838512853161,"sku":"29628","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/bernard.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}