Episode 137 - Czech Beer with Radim from Budvar

In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re heading to the heart of Czech brewing tradition with a very special guest — Radim from Budvar. Together, we explore what makes Czech lager some of the most revered beer in the world, while tasting through classic Budvar examples and breaking down how to recreate these iconic styles at home. Expect a proper deep dive into: 🍺 The magic of decoction mashing — what it really does to flavour 💧 The role of ultra-soft Czech water in balancing bitterness 🌿 Saaz hops and their signature spicy, herbal character 🌑 The underrated beauty of dark Czech lagers (Tmavý Ležák) 🧪 Traditional techniques like open fermentation & krausen skimming We also tackle the big questions — does decoction really make a difference? And how do Czech brewers achieve such incredible depth and drinkability in every pint? Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there. 💬 Brewing a Czech lager or drinking along with us? Share your thoughts on socials — we’d love to hear how you get on.