Modern express trains still cannot fade the beauty of old carriages rolling slowly through the countryside. Bohemia. Likewise, in an era of bold and bold craft beers, Desitka remains steadfast in its own journey – a slow but seductive journey into a world of subtle flavours. This is not a beer to be rushed, but rather a work to be enjoyed with patience and an open heart.
In the golden sunshine of the barley fields Moravian, Where Pilsner malt is sown, one finds the soul of the Desitka. Each drop of this clear golden beer is the crystallization of a brewing art that has been perfected by the Czechs for centuries, now reverently recreated by Notch Brewing in America. The transparency of the straw color, the proud white foam, and the gentle aroma of Saaz hops – all come together in a perfectly balanced dance.
1. Notch Brewing: A Journey of Faith in Traditional Lager Flavor
Year 2010, from the ancient streets of Salem, Massachusetts, a man with a deep love for craft beer, decided to continue writing his own story. Chris Lohring – a seasoned former brewmaster – left the beaten path to found Notch Brewing, where he cherished a simple yet proud philosophy: “Lager is not a common beer, but a quintessence that needs to be cherished.”
Don't follow trends Strong IPA or bold flavors, Notch chose the nostalgic path, inspired by classic European beers, especially Czech and German. They became a pioneer in the US with session beer - light, moderate-alcohol beers that people can sip all day without getting bored. In 2012, they also organized Notch Session Beer Fest, the first festival in the US to honor this style of beer. And then, in 2020, a beautiful turning point came: Notch officially became an employee-owned brewery – a testament to the spirit of commitment and passion.
2. Desítka: “10 points” love for pure Czech beer
In the language of the country Bohemia, "Desitka" has a simple yet profound meaning – the number 10, representing 10° Balling (4.2% ABV), the gold standard of traditional Czech lagers. When Notch launched Desítka around 2015–2016, it was not just a product, but a love song to Pilsner Urquell, to ancient cities like Prague, where beer is not just a drink, but a culture.
Still loyal to Czech Pale Lager, Notch patiently brews it for a long time, using the traditional decoction mash technique to create a balanced, elegant, slightly bitter and seductive flavor. Desítka does not overwhelm people, but makes them drunk with its sophistication and ease of drinking - true to the philosophy session beer that Notch is after.
No wonder BeerAdvocate ranked Desítka at #2 on their list of “Top Czech Pale Lager in the US”, with a convincing score of 4.1/5. Beer connoisseurs often whisper: “If you want to try an authentic Czech beer but on the lighter side, Desítka is the perfect choice.” And perhaps, that is the sweetest compliment for a beer brewed from the heart.
3. Desítka: When the Essence of Pure Czech Beer Turns into Art
3.1. Style: Czech Pale Lager – Symphony Of Balance
In the world of beer Cold brew lager, Desitka is a love song written for those who love simple yet profound beauty. Belonging to the Czech Pale Lager line (according to BJCP's strict standards), every drop of Desítka is imbued with the spirit of Bohemia - where beer is not only for drinking, but also for contemplating, for getting drunk in every moment.
3.2. The Beauty of a True Lager
- Color: Pale straw yellow with a hint of amber, clear as an autumn morning on the Moravian fields.
- Alcohol content (ABV): Only 4.2% – as gentle as a warm hug, the true Czech “desítka” (10° Balling beer).
- Bitterness (IBU): 20–30 IBUs – enough to evoke the alluring Saaz hop aroma, but not overpower the sweet Pilsner malt.
- Body: Light to medium, moderate gas, leaving a dry, clean finish, like a breeze across the palate.
3.3. Flavor: A Delicate Feast for the Senses
- Malt: Sweet as morning honey, with a hint of toasted bread from Czech Moravian barley.
- Saaz hops: Fresh grass notes, a touch of white pepper, and a warm earthy base – like walking through a Žatec field during harvest time.
- Pylorus: The finish is neat and gentle, leaving a pleasant aftertaste, making us want to raise our glass again.
3.4. What Makes the Difference: Unobtrusive Purity
- Compared to German Helles: Desítka is less sweet, allowing the hops to speak more clearly.
- Compared to Czech Pilsner: Lighter than Pilsner Urquell in alcohol and body, less bitter (only 20–30 IBU compared to 30–40 IBU), suitable for continuous enjoyment without getting bored.
Desítka does not show off, does not scream – it whispers. A thing “session beer” literally: humble, refined, and memorable like the first kiss of autumn.
4. The Art of Enjoying Desítka: Let Every Drop of Beer Tell a Story
4.1. Temperature & Beer Glasses – When Coldness Gives Way to Essence
Take your time! 6–8°C is the golden temperature range for Desítka to shine. Too cold and you’ll lose the delicate waltz of Saaz hops and the sweet notes of Czech Pilsner malt. Let the beer rest outside the fridge for a few minutes before pouring – like a musician tuning his guitar before a concert.
- Seidel (Thick Czech pottery jar): This traditional mug keeps the beer cold for a long time, allowing the malt and hops to mingle with each sip. The feeling of holding the rustic ceramic mug also reminds me of the Prague beer halls filled with laughter.
- Pilsner Glass (Tall Glass): Like the long dress of a Bohemian girl, this glass shows off its sparkling straw yellow color, while keeping the fresh bubbles until the last drop.
4.2. Food – A Counterpoint to Beer
- Beef Stew in Cream Sauce: The rich taste blends with the clean dryness of the beer, like snow melting in the heart of Krkonoše mountain.
- Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (Pork – Knedlí Cake – Cabbage): The richness of the pork is balanced by the gentle embrace of sweet malt in Desítka.
- Crispy cheese (Smažený sýr) or Klobása sausage: Salty, creamy – further accentuating the playful white pepper hops.
- Sea Salt Pretzel good Crispy Potatoes: The crisp crackling sound mixed with the bubbling gas, like the beat of a jazz piece.
- Fresh Oysters/Steamed Shrimp: The salty taste of the sea contrasts beautifully with the hidden sweetness of the beer, like waves lapping against the golden sand.
4.3. The Occasion of Enjoyment – When Desítka Becomes a Companion
- Crowded parties: The light, easy-to-drink Desítka will liven up any conversation, from old friends to new acquaintances.
- Summer lunch: A cold glass of Desítka with a salad plate – freshness that needs no words.
- Eastern European Beer Festival: Imagine yourself at the Czech version of Oktoberfest, where Desítka is the ambassador of Bohemian culture.
5. Desítka Under the Spotlight: Recognized Glory
5.1. Awards – The Mark of Perfection
In the world craft beer full of competition, Desitka has affirmed its class when it rose to the #2 position in the “Top Czech Pale Lager in the US” ranking of BeerAdvocate – one of the most prestigious beer review communities in the world. This is not only a victory of taste, but also a victory of tradition, when an American brewery excellently recreates the spirit of classic Czech Lager.
5.2. Score – The Voice of Beer Connoisseurs
BeerAdvocate: 4.1/5 (from 100+ reviews): “A proper Czech Pale Lager, light and full of character – the kind of beer that makes you want to order a second glass as soon as you finish the first.”
Untappd: 3.8/5 (from 1,000+ check-ins): “A great balance of sweet malts and lightly bitter hops. Dangerously drinkable!”
6. Desítka: The Last Love of a Pure Taste Lover
There are beers that are made to make people overwhelmed, but Desítka came to make us miss. Each sip of that golden beer is a journey back to the mossy Prague beer halls, where time seems to stand still in the layer of smooth white foam, in the aroma of Saaz hops with a hint of wild grass, in the sweet Pilsner malt like a whisper of summer.
This is not your beer. noisy party, but for the moments when we slow down – when the afternoon falls by the window, when the warm laughter of friends spreads, or simply when we want to be ourselves. Desítka reminds us that the most precious thing sometimes lies in the simple: an unpretentious lager, but full of traditional brewing techniques and love for Czech culture.
And perhaps, that is the magic of Desítka: lightly to drink all day, but rich enough to leave a lasting impression in our memories. Let’s raise a glass to thank the brewmasters at Notch for keeping the love of pure lager alive – because in this chaotic world, we still need a beer that can sing.
