Two Czech beer styles ranked among world's best in new TasteAtlas top 10

Two traditional Czech beer styles have been recognized among the world’s finest in a new global ranking published by TasteAtlas, a popular food and beverage guide. Chodské pivo, a lager from western Bohemia, was rated fourth-best in the world, while Pilsner, the iconic golden lager that originated in its namesake city, placed seventh.

The new list of the 50 best beer styles in the world released in mid-May 2025, is based on user ratings and expert input collected by TasteAtlas, and filter out domestic ratings that may show local favoritism. The platform describes its goal as promoting regional food and drink traditions and encouraging appreciation of local culinary heritage.

TasteAtlas praised Chodské pivo, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) beer brewed in the historic Chodsko region of the Czech Republic, for its “golden, rich, and malty” character, shaped by local ingredients and a time-honored brewing process.

With origins dating back to the 12th century, the beer was once delivered to royal courts in Prague and Bavaria. Its two-stage fermentation, lengthy maturation, and use of specific hop varieties such as Žatecký poloraný červeňák contribute to its slightly bitter, full-bodied flavor.

In seventh place on the global ranking is the Pilsner, a world-renowned lager that traces its roots to 1842, when citizens of Pilsen established a new brewery in response to dissatisfaction with the quality of local beer.

With the help of Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll, they created what would become Pilsner Urquell, the first clear, pale lager. The new style quickly gained popularity for its crisp taste, derived from Moravian barley and Saaz hops, and helped shape modern brewing around the world.

Overall, Belgium dominated the top of the TasteAtlas list, with tripel, dubbel, witbier, bland ale, and lambic styles occupying the first three spots. Germany’s weissbier and helles also made the top ten, while London's imperial stout was the only beer style outside of Czechia, Germany, or Belgium to crack the top 10.

Beyond Chodské pivo and Pilsner, several other Czech beer styles were recognized in the TasteAtlas top 100, underscoring the country’s deep-rooted brewing legacy.

Českobudějovické pivo, ranked 35th, is brewed in České Budějovice using water from underground lakes and hops from the Žatec region. Its five varieties include both pale and dark lagers, the latter known for roasted notes and pairing well with traditional Czech dishes.

At number 36, Znojemské pivo from the Znojmo region was highlighted for its variety—light and dark draughts as well as lagers—made using only three ingredients: barley malt, local water, and Žatec or Hallertau hops. Brewing in the area dates back to at least 1278.

Březnický ležák, ranked 63rd, is a Czech-style pilsner brewed in the town of Březnice since 1999 by Pivovar Herold. The beer is noted for its delicate bitterness and crisp aroma, using spring water and traditional hops.

The complete TasteAtlas list of top 100 beer styles in the world can be found here.