Tasting

What does Czech porter taste like? Sweet and dark, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and toasted bread crust. The brewery describes Pardubický porter as nearly black, with a dense foam and a delicate, sweet malt flavor. The bitterness stays in the background.

Regional examples include Pernštejn's Pardubický porter, Primátor's wheat beer from Náchod, a dark beer from the Krakonoš brewery in Trutnov, and a beer from Bernard in Humpolec. Together, they span the range from sweet and dark to pale and fruity.

Which glass suits which beer? The porter calls for a smaller, rounded glass that concentrates the aroma, since at around 8% alcohol it's a stronger beer. The wheat beer belongs in a tall, slender weizen glass that supports the foam, while the dark lager goes in the classic half-liter mug or glass.

Temperature makes a big difference. Dark beers taste best at around 50–54°F (10–12°C); too cold, and the caramel and roasted notes disappear. The wheat beer can handle cooler temperatures, around 43–46°F (6–8°C).

When pouring the wheat beer, a trick helps: tilt the glass slightly, let the beer flow in slowly, and give the rest of the bottle a quick swirl to bring the yeast into the glass. The porter, by contrast, is poured gently, allowing its dense foam to build slowly.

With the first sip, it's worth smelling the beer first, then drinking in small sips. With the porter, caramel and coffee come through first, followed by sweetness, and finally a slightly dry finish. The wheat beer shows banana first, then the freshness of its carbonation.