Left to right, Matej Krizek, Petr Skocek, and Roger Ryman at the Bohem Brewery in London.

The brewing traditions of two great beer nations have come together as Bohem Brewery launches its first collaboration, brewed in partnership with St Austell Brewery.

Otakar Brut Lager has been brewed by Roger Ryman, the award-winning head brewer at St Austell, and Petr Skocek, co-founder and head brewer of London-based Bohem Brewery, which brews authentic Bohemian-style lagers on bespoke brewing equipment from the Czech Republic. Also on the team was Bohem brewer, Matej Krizek..

The collaboration brewing day in January saw Roger transport the yeast used to brew St Austell Brewery’s Korev lager to Bohem in London. The recipe, originally developed for a one-off beer called Korev Brut, was given a new twist by being brewed by Roger and Petr on Bohem’s specialist decoction brewing kit.

The result is Otakar Brut Lager, a 6.4% ABV beer authentically lagered at low temperature for six weeks, and regally named for the several King Otakars, who ruled Bohemia, which is today within the Czech Republic. The beer is made with Pilsner, Cara Gold, Acid Malt and maize, along with Magnum, Hersbrucker and Saaz hops, as well as Nelson Sauvin for dry hopping.

With a fresh, vibrant aroma, and initial light citrus tones of lemon and grapefruit, Otakar has low hop bitterness, which combined with the soft carbonation delivers an easy drinking beer that belies its strength.

First decoction mash

Ryman said: “Although I’ve been brewing for many years, this was the first time I’d made a decoction mash. It was very interesting to work with Petr and the team to create a unique beer which we hope lager enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Skocek added: “Britain and the Czech Republic both have great brewing traditions, and we were delighted to welcome Roger to London for his first decoction brewing experience. We hope both St Austell and Bohem beer lovers will enjoy Otakar while it’s available.” 

Decoction brewing is a traditional European brewing style which sees part of the mash boiled, then returned to the main mash to raise the temperature. The process adds the depth, complexity and flavour which characterises authentic Czech lagers.  

The strictly limited single run beer will be available on keg in selected London bars, including the Bohem Brewery Taproom in London N22, and in selected St Austell Brewery pubs. A small quantity will also be canned and sold through the Bohem online shop

Otakar is also available in both keg and can, while stocks last, through Bohem Brewery’s distribution partnership with the UK’s leading beer wholesaler, The Bottle Shop. Andrew Morgan, founder of The Bottle Shop, said of Otakar: “The combination of tradition with contemporary and the European twist has produced something that is ultimately satisfying and rewarding and which has never been brewed before.”