Žatecký Světlý Ležák beer is brewed according to a recipe created by Tomáš Lejsek, a renowned Czech brewer. This recipe is distinguished by the unique hops from Žatec. They give the beer a mildly bitter taste and a well-balanced aroma.
The oldest source regarding the Žatec hops, also known as Saaz, dates back to the first half of the 11th century, as early as 1101, Žatec hops were sold on the market in Hamburg. In 1261, a brewers' society was established in Žatec, which brewed beer valued for its "unusual virtues, essence, and strength." By the 18th century, there were already 30 malt houses and 4 breweries operating in the city. Currently, Žatec hops, known as Saaz hops, are still grown only in the region of the city of Žatec on an area of just 40 km². These hops are considered by beer specialists to be among the best in the world. Thanks to their universal flavour characteristics, they lay claim to the status of a classic hop used for brewing Pilsner beers.
water, barley malt, bittering hops, Žatec aromatic hops