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We can’t get the distinctive heirloom Saaz hops used in Břevnov’s Benedict, but we can be inspired by its aromatic profile and traditional mash process to brew a distinctive světlý ležák of our own.
For more about the meaning of pitelnost and the pale lagers of the Břevnov Monastery Brewery in Prague, see Brewer’s Perspective: Brewing for Supreme Drinkability at Břevnov.
ALL-GRAIN
Batch size: 5 gallons (19 liters)
Brewhouse efficiency: 72%
OG: 1.050
FG: 1.012
IBUs: 41
ABV: 5%
MALT/GRAIN BILL
9.2 lb (4.2 kg) Czech pilsner, such as Prostějov
HOPS SCHEDULE
0.5 oz (14 g) Saaz at first wort [8 IBUs]
0.22 oz (6 g) Hallertauer Magnum at 90 minutes [12 IBUs]
0.75 oz (21 g) Saaz at 80 minutes [11 IBUs]
1 oz (28 g) Lublin at 15 minutes [10 IBUs]
YEAST
Wyeast 2001-C Pilsner Urquell H, White Labs WLP800 Pilsner Lager, Omega OYL-101 Pilsner I, or similar
DIRECTIONS
Mill the grains and dough in at 99°F (37°C). Via infusion or direct heat, raise the temperature to 126°F (52°C) and rest 5 minutes. Pull about one-third of the mash for a decoction: Raise this portion to 145°F (63°C), rest 5 minutes; raise the temperature to 162°F (72°C), rest 15 minutes; then bring to a boil, and boil for 15 minutes. Reunite the decoction with the main mash and mix, to bring the full mash temperature to about 144°F (62°C). Again, take about one-third of the mash for a second decoction: Raise this portion to 162°F (72°C), rest 15 minutes; then bring to a boil, and boil for 15 minutes. Reunite the decoction with the main mash and mix, to bring the full mash temperature to about 165°F (74°C); rest 10 minutes.
Do a vorlauf step until your runnings are clear, then run off into the kettle and add the first-wort hops. Sparge and top up as necessary to get about 6.5 gallons (25 liters) of wort, depending on your evaporation rate. Boil for 90 minutes, adding hops according to the schedule. After the boil, chill to about 46°F (8°C), aerate well, and pitch plenty of healthy yeast. Ferment at about 50°F (10°C) for 10 days, then drop to 37°F (3°C) and lager for at least 4 weeks.