We’ve always been captivated by the Bohemian Pilsner a crisp golden lager born in the Czech Republic’s Bohemia region. This iconic brew boasts a clean hoppy finish and balanced malt flavors that have defined beer culture for centuries.
As home brewers we’re thrilled to guide you through our authentic recipe. It’s a straightforward way to craft this refreshing classic right in your kitchen capturing its timeless appeal and making it easy for anyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
As we dive into our authentic Bohemian Pilsner recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that define this crisp, golden lager from the Czech Republic. We’ll list them in the order they’re used during the brewing process, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure you achieve that balanced, hoppy flavor we all love.
- Water: 5 gallons (filtered or soft water, as it’s the base for the mash and helps highlight the clean profile of a Bohemian Pilsner. We recommend treating it to remove chlorine for optimal fermentation.)
- Pilsner Malt: 10 pounds (crushed just before use to preserve freshness; this forms the backbone of the beer’s light color and malty sweetness in our Bohemian Pilsner recipe.)
- Saaz Hops: 2 ounces for bittering (added at the start of the boil), plus 1 ounce for aroma (added in the last 15 minutes; these Czech hops deliver the signature spicy, floral notes that make our Bohemian Pilsner stand out.)
- Lager Yeast: 1 packet (a bottom-fermenting strain like Wyeast 2007 or SafLager W-34/70; rehydrate it according to the package instructions before pitching to ensure vigorous fermentation for that authentic lager character.)
Equipment Needed
To brew our authentic Bohemian Pilsner successfully, we need the right equipment to ensure precision, sanitation, and optimal fermentation. Building on our ingredients list, this setup helps transform those components into a crisp, balanced lager with minimal hassle.
Essential Brewing Tools
We’ll break down the key items below, organized by their role in the process. Bold highlights critical equipment, and italics emphasize important preparation notes for safety and efficiency.
- Brewing Kettle: A large stainless-steel pot (at least 5 gallons) for boiling wort. We recommend one with a lid to prevent contamination and maintain even heating.
- Fermenter: A 6.5-gallon glass or plastic carboy for primary fermentation. Sanitize thoroughly before use to allow our lager yeast to work without unwanted bacteria.
- Airlock and Stopper: A simple S-shaped airlock to fit the fermenter, allowing CO2 to escape while keeping oxygen out during the lager’s weeks-long fermentation.
- Hydrometer: Essential for measuring specific gravity to track alcohol content. We use this tool to ensure our Bohemian Pilsner reaches the ideal 4.5–5% ABV range.
- Thermometer: A digital probe thermometer for monitoring temperatures between 48–55°F (9–13°C) during fermentation, crucial for the clean, crisp profile of this Czech-style beer.
- Siphon or Racking Cane: A food-grade plastic siphon with auto-siphon feature for transferring beer without introducing oxygen. Attach to tubing for easy bottling.
- Bottling Bucket: A 5-gallon bucket with a spigot for mixing priming sugar and filling bottles, ensuring even carbonation in our final product.
- Bottles and Caps: At least 50 standard 12-ounce glass bottles with crown caps. We suggest reusable ones for eco-friendly home brewing.
- Sanitizer Solution: Star San or similar no-rinse sanitizer in a spray bottle. This is non-negotiable for maintaining hygiene and preventing off-flavors.
| Equipment Item | Quantity Recommended | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Kettle | 1 | Boiling and sterilizing wort |
| Fermenter | 1 | Fermentation vessel |
| Airlock and Stopper | 1 set | Gas release and contamination control |
| Hydrometer | 1 | Measuring gravity and ABV |
| Thermometer | 1 | Temperature monitoring |
| Siphon or Racking Cane | 1 | Beer transfer |
| Bottling Bucket | 1 | Bottling preparation |
| Bottles and Caps | 50 bottles + caps | Storage and carbonation |
| Sanitizer Solution | 1 bottle | Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces |
Instructions
We guide you through brewing our authentic Bohemian Pilsner with these precise steps building on our ingredients and equipment lists ensuring a crisp balanced lager every time.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before we start brewing we prepare our key ingredients to achieve the signature hoppy flavor of Bohemian Pilsner. Begin by gathering 5 gallons of filtered or soft water and heat a portion to strike temperature around 165°F for mashing. Measure out 10 pounds of crushed Pilsner malt ensuring it’s freshly milled for optimal enzyme activity and aroma release.
Next add 2 ounces of Saaz hops dividing them into 1 ounce for bittering and 1 ounce for aroma to capture the beer’s floral notes. Finally activate 1 packet of lager yeast by rehydrating it in warm water per the manufacturer’s instructions allowing it to proof for about 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This preparation sets the foundation for a refreshing beer with a clean malty backbone.
Mashing and Boiling
We mash the grains to convert starches into fermentable sugars creating the light body of Bohemian Pilsner. In your brewing kettle combine the 10 pounds of crushed Pilsner malt with 3 gallons of heated water maintaining a temperature of 148-152°F for 60 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent clumping and ensure even conversion.
Once mashing is complete sparge with the remaining water to reach about 6.5 gallons of wort then bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 ounce of Saaz hops at the start for bittering and simmer for 60 minutes before adding the second 1 ounce of Saaz hops in the last 15 minutes for aroma. This step infuses the wort with earthy herbal scents making the beer irresistibly crisp and flavorful.
Fermentation Process
We ferment the cooled wort to develop the clean lager profile of Bohemian Pilsner using controlled temperatures for optimal yeast activity. After boiling chill the wort to 50°F and transfer it to your fermenter then pitch the activated 1 packet of lager yeast stirring gently to distribute it evenly.
Ferment primary at 48-55°F for 1-2 weeks monitoring with a hydrometer until the specific gravity reaches 1.012-1.016 indicating fermentation completion. For lagering transfer to a secondary vessel and condition at 35-40°F for 4-6 weeks allowing flavors to mature into a smooth refreshing lager. Below is a quick overview of fermentation timelines for clarity:
| Stage | Temperature (°F) | Duration (Weeks) | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Fermentation | 48-55 | 1-2 | Specific gravity drops to 1.012-1.016 |
| Lagering | 35-40 | 4-6 | Beer clarifies and flavors stabilize |
Bottling and Conditioning
We bottle the fermented beer to carbonate and condition it capturing the effervescent quality of Bohemian Pilsner. Siphon the clear beer into a bottling bucket adding priming sugar such as 4-5 ounces of corn sugar dissolved in boiling water to promote natural carbonation.
Fill sanitized bottles leaving about 1 inch of headspace and cap them securely then store at 68-72°F for 2 weeks for initial conditioning. Move to a cooler spot at 50°F for an additional 2-4 weeks allowing the beer to mature fully and develop its crisp bright taste ready for enjoyment.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this brewing adventure with our Bohemian Pilsner recipe. It’s rewarding to craft a crisp lager that’s true to its roots and perfect for sharing.
Remember we’ve equipped you with the essentials to brew confidently at home. Now it’s time to raise a glass to your creation and explore more of our tips for even better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bohemian Pilsner?
A Bohemian Pilsner is a classic golden lager originating from the Czech Republic’s Bohemia region. It’s renowned for its crisp, balanced flavors with a hoppy bitterness and clean finish, making it a refreshing beer style. This article shares an authentic home-brewing recipe to help enthusiasts recreate this timeless brew.
What ingredients are needed to brew Bohemian Pilsner at home?
You’ll need 5 gallons of filtered or soft water, 10 pounds of crushed Pilsner malt, 2 ounces of Saaz hops for bittering and 1 ounce for aroma, plus 1 packet of lager yeast. These ingredients create the beer’s signature balanced, hoppy flavor. Measure precisely and follow preparation notes for the best results.
What equipment is essential for home brewing Bohemian Pilsner?
Key items include a brewing kettle for boiling, a fermenter with airlock, hydrometer for monitoring gravity, thermometer for temperature control, siphon for transferring, bottling bucket, bottles and caps, and sanitizer. These tools ensure sanitation, precision, and successful fermentation for a crisp lager.
How do I brew Bohemian Pilsner step by step?
Start by heating water to strike temperature and mashing with crushed malt to convert starches to sugars. Boil the wort, adding Saaz hops at specific times for flavor. Cool, transfer to a fermenter, and pitch yeast. Follow with fermentation and lagering for a balanced beer, taking about 4-6 weeks total.
What is the fermentation process for Bohemian Pilsner?
Fermentation involves pitching lager yeast into cooled wort and maintaining 48-58°F for primary fermentation, which takes 1-2 weeks. Monitor specific gravity, then lager at 35-45°F for 4-6 weeks to develop clean flavors. Temperature control is crucial for the beer’s crisp profile and to avoid off-flavors.
How long does it take to brew and condition Bohemian Pilsner?
The entire process takes 4-8 weeks: 1-2 weeks for mashing and boiling, 1-2 weeks for primary fermentation, 4-6 weeks for lagering, and 1-2 weeks for bottling and conditioning. Proper timelines ensure a mature, carbonated beer with a refreshing taste.
How do I bottle and condition the home-brewed beer?
After fermentation, siphon the beer into a bottling bucket with priming sugar for carbonation. Fill sanitized bottles, cap them, and store at 68-72°F for 1-2 weeks for conditioning. This step creates natural carbonation, resulting in a crisp, ready-to-drink Bohemian Pilsner.