Velkopopovický Kozel 12 named best Czech lager of 2026

At the “ČESKÉ PIVO 2026” expert tasting, a jury once again selected the best beers in the Czech Republic. In the most important category of pale lagers, Velkopopovický Kozel 12 came out on top this year.

The Czech Association of Breweries and Malt Houses (ČSPaS) has announced the winners of this year’s “ČESKÉ PIVO 2026” competition. The results were presented at the traditional St Wenceslas celebration of the Czech brewing industry at the end of September. The best beers were awarded in a total of six categories.

In the prestigious category of pale lagers (světlý ležák), Velkopopovický Kozel 12 from the Velké Popovice brewery, which belongs to the Plzeňský Prazdroj group, took first place. The beer is a new addition to the brand’s range this year. Second and third place went to the Starobrno brewery: STAROBRNO BITR finished second, while STAROBRNO ŠTATL 12 took third place.

Photo: ČESKÉ PIVO 2026

There was also a new winner in the category of 11-degree pale lagers. RATAR from the Radegast brewery came out on top for the first time. It was followed by Velkopopovický Kozel 11 and STAROBRNO MEDIUM.

In the category of pale draught beers, Ježek Šenkovní 10% from the Jihlava brewery impressed the expert jury the most. PRIMÁTOR Antonín took second place, followed by Hradební světlé výčepní from the Měšťanský pivovar v Poličce brewery.

ČERNOVAR wins among dark beers

In the dark beer category, first place went to ČERNOVAR ČERNÝ from the traditional brewery in Rakovník. It was followed by SVIJANSKÁ KNĚŽNA 13% from the Svijany brewery and Lobkowicz Premium Černý from the Protivín brewery.

Alcohol-free beer is also playing an increasingly important role in the competition. According to the brewers’ association, the segment accounted for more than eleven per cent of domestic beer consumption last year.

Photo: ČESKÉ PIVO 2026

Among classic alcohol-free beers, HOLBA RYZÍ NEALKO came out on top. Compared with the previous year, the beer swapped places with KRUŠOVICE HOŘKÉ NEALKO, which finished second this time. BIRELL from the Radegast brewery retained third place. In the flavoured alcohol-free beer category, the Protivín brewery took the top two places. Refresh Grapefruit won ahead of Refresh Citrus Mix. Third place went to ZUBR YUZU.

“The ČESKÉ PIVO competition recognises the quality and standard of Czech brewing every year,” said Tomáš Slunečko, Executive Director of the Czech Association of Breweries and Malt Houses. The results showed that domestic breweries were continuously developing and expanding their range.

Slunečko also pointed to the economic and social challenges the industry has faced in recent years. Breweries, as well as the pubs and restaurants closely connected to them, remained an important part of the Czech economy and society.

Photo: ČESKÉ PIVO 2026

Competition held since 2001

The “ČESKÉ PIVO” expert competition has been organised by the Czech Association of Breweries and Malt Houses since 2001. The Research Institute of Brewing and Malting acts as its professional guarantor. More than 40 experts assess the submitted beers according to various sensory criteria. These include appearance, colour, taste, aroma and texture.

Traditionally, the announcement of the winners is one of the highlights of the St Wenceslas celebration of the Czech brewing industry. A barrel of the winning beer in the lager category is also ceremonially tapped.

The results of the “ČESKÉ PIVO 2026” competition are available on the website of the Czech Association of Breweries and Malthouses.