Description
Breznický lezák PGI is a moderately to medium fermented beer characterised by the use of granulated hops of the Zatecký poloraný cervenák variety, hop extract, brewer's yeast, sugar produced from sugar-beet, ascorbic acid, and water from artesian and bored wells from the municipality of Breznice. It has an alcohol content of 4,69-5,53.
Production Area
Breznický lezák PGI is produced in the municipality of Breznice in the Central Bohemian region. A new baroque brewery was built in the 18th century that became subsequently the property of the Czechoslovak State. The development of uranium mining in the vicinity arount 1960 led to the greatest growth of the brewery in its history. With the decline of uranium mining, beer production fell and the brewery was destined to be closed down. In 1989, however, the Research Institute of Brewing and Malting took over the running of the brewery, rebuilding it and reviving production of the traditional Breznice beer.
Production Method
The beer is produced using traditional technology. In the brew house the starting ingredients, the crushed malt and the water are mixed, then the mashing takes place (two-mash decoction method), the lautering, the draining off the first wort, the emergence of the cooked wort and the hop boiling. The hopped wort is then cooled with the separation and removal of the spent grain in a whirlpool. The fermentation of the hopped wort takes place in open tanks for 7-9 days with the added yeast culture. A secondary fermentation will take place in closed lagering tanks for 45-70 days, at a temperature of 2-4 °C.
Appearance and Flavour
Breznický lezák PGI has a delicate but distinctively bitter taste, a full body, a rich golden colour, a high level of crispness with a clean hoppy aroma without extraneous flavours.
History
The earliest written reference to the brewery in Breznice dates from 1506.
Gastronomy
Breznický lezák PGI should be kept in cool, dry places, away from sources of heat. Before consummation it should be placed in the refrigerator.
Marketing
The product is sold as Breznický Lezák IGP. It is marketed in bottles of 0,5 and 0,335 litres and kegs of 30 and 50 litres.
Distinctive Features
Breznický Lezák PGI and in general, all the beer in Breznice is produced using the excellent water from artesian and bored wells within the municipality of Breznice. The wells are currently 14-16 metres deep and the boreholes 37,5 and 61 metres deep.
