Bohemia, Czechia
Velkopopovický Kozel
Velké Popovice brewery south of Prague, whose dark lager is among the most widely exported Czech beers.
Also known as Kozel.
Why it matters
The most accessible international example of Czech dark lager, a style that is far softer and sweeter than a German schwarzbier at comparable colour and is routinely mistaken for a stout.
Details
| Founded | 1874 |
|---|---|
| Where | Bohemia, Czechia |
| Status | Operating |
| Ownership | Part of Plzeňský Prazdroj, itself owned by Asahi since 2017. Recorded 2026-08-16; ownership changes without announcement. |
Reference beers
- Velkopopovický Kozel Černý
The most widely exported Czech dark lager, and much lighter and sweeter than its colour suggests.
- Velkopopovický Kozel Světlý
A Czech výčepní — the everyday draught strength that most Czech beer is actually drunk at, rather than the premium grade that gets exported.
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Styles it is associated with
- Czech dark lager — A dark Bohemian lager richer and sweeter than its German counterparts, with caramel and light roast over a soft body.
- Czech pale lager — The Czech everyday lager: lower in strength than the premium version but keeping the soft bready malt and generous Saaz hopping.
Traditions
- Bohemian pale lager brewing — The Czech pale lager tradition: exceptionally soft water, Saaz hops, floor-malted barley and multi-step decoction.
Other breweries in Czechia
Budějovický Budvar · Plzeňský Prazdroj · Rodinný pivovar Bernard · Staropramen
Last reviewed 2026-08-16.