Gambrinus Excelent 11° Pale Lager – Czech Beer Review
Gambrinus Excelent 11° – Czech Beer Review
Gambrinus Excelent 11° is a classic Czech světlý ležák (pale lager) with 4.7% abv. brewed in Plzeň by Gambrinus. Introduced in 2008, the beer was designed to offer a fuller-bodied, well-balanced eleven-degree lager with a slightly more pronounced hop character compared to lighter offerings in the Gambrinus range.
Appearance
Using my Gambrinus glass, Gambrinus Excelent 11° presents a clear golden to slightly amber hue — richer than a standard ten-degree Czech beer. The head forms a soft white foam with medium retention, forming a respectable cap that slowly settles but leaves decent lacing.
Aroma
On nose, this beer shows moderate malt sweetness — a gentle bread and cereal character that’s typical of Czech lagers. There’s a subtle herbal and slightly spicy hop note, but no heavy fruity esters or aggressive aromatics. It’s inviting, but not overpowering; rustic rather than refined.
Taste
This 11° lager delivers a balanced malt profile — a mix of light breadiness with touches of caramel from the added caramel malt used in its brewing. The flavour tends to be moderately sweet up front, with a medium body and gentle hop bitterness that grows slightly toward the finish. The bitterness is more herbal and grassy than citrusy, falling in line with classic Czech hop character but without a strong punch.
Overall Impression
Gambrinus Excelent 11° is a solid, classic Czech 11° lager:
Approachable and sessionable — easy to drink over a meal or on its own. Balanced between malt and hops — with a lean toward malt sweetness and mild, herbal hop bitterness.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Because Gambrinus Excelent 11° is moderately bitter, crisp, and malt-forward, it pairs beautifully with a range of classic Central European and globally loved foods. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Traditional Czech and Central European Fare
Grilled Sausages: The moderate hop bitterness cuts through the richness and fat, cleansing your palate between bites.
Roasted Pork and Sauerkraut: The slight sweetness of the beer complements the caramelised pork, while its herbal bitterness plays off the acidity of the sauerkraut.
Goulash or Beef Stew: A rich, paprika-laden goulash benefits from the beer’s malt backbone and refreshing carbonation.
Smoked & Savoury Dishes
Smoked Ham or BBQ Ribs: The beer’s crispness handles smoky, salty flavours well, offering a refreshing bite that doesn’t overwhelm.
Smoked Cheese: A mild, creamy smoked cheese finds balance with the beer’s soft hop character.
Comfort Foods & Snacks
Fried Potatoes, Onion Rings, or Pretzels: Salty, fried snacks pair effortlessly with a crisp lager — the carbonation and bitterness cut through oiliness.
Grilled or Fried Chicken: Mild proteins with light seasoning allow the beer’s malt and hop notes to shine without conflict.
Cheese Pairings
Semi-Hard Cheeses (Gouda, Edam): Their creamy, slightly nutty flavour thrives with a balanced lager.
Sharp Cheddar: For a more pronounced contrast, the bitterness matches the cheese’s sharpness.
International Pairings
Margherita or Sausage Pizza: Classic pizza flavours resonate well with the beer’s malt and hop interplay.
Fish & Chips: Crisp, golden batter and light fish flavours pair with the refreshing carbonation and malt sweetness.
