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Budvar Kroužkovaný

Budějovický Budvar
Czech Republic·Czech Pilsner
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Budvar's naturally conditioned (unfiltered) lager — 'Kroužkovaný' refers to the traditional Czech practice of secondary fermentation in the tank, creating a naturally hazy and yeast-alive beer. Fuller and slightly more complex than the filtered Original, with a richer malt character and a gentle natural carbonation. Kroužkovaný is the insider's Budvar: closer to the live beer that Czechs drink on draught.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
SRM
pale gold2
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyyeastyclean
malty
yeasty
clean
mineral
honey
bready
Aroma
Clean and crisp on the nose with prominent grainy and slightly sweet malt character.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Budvar Kroužkovaný

◎ Appearance

A brilliant pale golden hue with a distinctive natural haze characteristic of unfiltered Czech lagers. A dense, creamy white head forms and holds well, supported by the gentle natural carbonation from tank conditioning. The slight turbidity from yeast suspension adds rustic charm and authenticity to the visual presentation.

pale goldennaturally hazycreamy white headunfiltered

◌ Aroma

Clean and crisp on the nose with prominent grainy and slightly sweet malt character. Subtle herbal hop notes provide delicate complexity without dominating, while the live yeast contributes a fresh, slightly earthy undertone. The overall impression is refined yet approachable, with excellent balance between malt and noble hop aromatics.

grainy maltherbal hopscleanslightly earthy

◐ Taste

The palate opens with crisp, refreshing maltiness balanced against restrained, herbal hop bitterness. Mid-palate reveals subtle sweetness and full grain character, creating a slightly more complex profile than filtered versions. Light bodied yet satisfying, with gentle natural carbonation enhancing drinkability and cleanliness.

crisp maltybalancedherbal bitternessrefreshing

◑ Finish

Clean and dry finish with excellent length, allowing the malt character to linger pleasantly without any harsh aftertaste. The natural carbonation supports a bright, refreshing conclusion that invites another sip.

drycleanrefreshing
86
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
85
Finish
87
Serve at 4–7°C

Serve well-chilled at 4–6°C for maximum crispness. A pilsner served too warm loses its defining snap.

Pilsner glass

The tall, narrow pilsner glass preserves carbonation and showcases the golden clarity that defines the style.

Drink fresh and cold. Pilsners do not improve with age — within 3 months of packaging is ideal.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Budvar Kroužkovaný

More from Budějovický Budvar

Budvar Dark
Budvar Dark
Czech Dark Lager
4.7% · 22 IBU
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Budvar Original
Budvar Original
Czech Pilsner
5% · 35 IBU
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About Czech Pilsner

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Czech Pilsner?

Pilsners are crisp golden lagers with 4–5.5% ABV and IBU 25–45. Defined by spicy, floral Saaz hops over a light malt backbone — bright carbonation and a dry bitter finish.

Finding a similar Czech Pilsner

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, yeasty, clean character as Budvar Kroužkovaný will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Czech Pilsner beers in hopIQ →New to Czech Pilsner? Read our guide →Browse Czech Republic beers →