Description
The Chodské Pivo PGI is produced only using natural raw materials: water, malt, yeast and hops.
Production Area
The production area of the Chodské Pivo PGI is found in the Plzen Region (historical Chodsko region), along the border of the Czech Republic and Bavaria. The whole production process, fermentation and ageing are performed in the designated area.
Production Method
Pale and dark beers are obtained with locally produced malt, prepared with the traditional method. The two-temperature method is used. The first cooking is carried out in a copper boiler; the beer is gradually heated to 70-75°C. After saccharification, the beer is boiled and kept at the same temperature for 20 minutes. The liquid obtained in this way is added to the rest of the mix and the temperature is reduced to 65°C. Once the temperature becomes stable, the second cooking is performed in a copper boiler where the beer is heated to 70-75°C and is subject to saccharification. Then it is boiled for 20 minutes and moved to the tub where the mashing process is completed at 75-78°C. Primary fermentation is performed at 6-9°C by using yeast strains at a low degree of fermentation. The visible extract is checked daily for four days and once the established values have been reached, the "new beer" is filtered, placed in kegs and then transferred to the ageing tubs where fermentation is completed. During this second fermentation, the pressure in the tubs is kept at 0,70-0,90 kPa and the temperature at 2-6°C.
Appearance and Flavour
The Chodské Pivo PGI is a pale, dark or amber-coloured beer with a distinct malt flavour and slight bitterness. It has a definite taste and good foam endurance.
History
Chodské Pivo PGI is related to the long tradition beer production that characterises this territory, dating back to the 12th century. The first written evidence that confirms its significance is a document dating back to 1573. Moreover, the Chodské Pivo PGI was transported to Prague and Bavaria to be served in the royal court, which proves how highly it was valued already in that era. In 1861 a great fire destroyed the historical brewery but it was immediately rebuilt in 1862 over the ashes of the original factory. In 1945, more than 60 breweries were working again.
Gastronomy
The Chodské Pivo PGI must be kept in a fresh and dry place, away from direct light sources. It is consumed fresh as a beverage or combined with innumerable Czech traditional dishes.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pale, Dark, Amber-coloured Chodské Pivo PGI and the following varieties are available: Light Beer Klasik, Pale Lager Desítka, Pale Lagers Zlatá Jedenáctka, President Premium, 13% Pale Zámecký Lezák Speciál (lager), Cerná Desítka (dark) and Skalní Lezák (yeast). It is marketed in glass bottles or cans.
Distinctive Features
The water sources used for production of the Chodské Pivo PGI have an exceptionally low content of minerals. Water has a significant influence on the final taste of the beer. Its low content of minerals does not determine chemical reactions with other raw materials and positively influences on the marked flavour of malt of the beers produced.
