Saaz a.k.a. Žatec
The defining hop of Czech pilsner.
What it tastes like
Saaz is one of the four Noble hops and the single defining aroma of Czech pilsner. Soft, spicy, herbal, with a delicate floral edge — almost no fruit, almost no resin. If you've ever drunk Pilsner Urquell, you've tasted Saaz.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
Pilsner Urquell is the classroom for Saaz. Drink it fresh — within 30 days of brewing, ideally — and the soft spice character is unmistakable.Beers showcasing Saaz
- Pilsner UrquellPilsner Urquell
- various Czech-style lagersNotch
- Slow Pour PilsBierstadt Lagerhaus
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source Saaz, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
2.5–4.5%
Beta Acid
3.5–4.5%
Total Oil
0.4–1.0 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
25-40%
humulene
15-25%
caryophyllene
6-9%
farnesene
12-20%
History
Documented in Czech brewing since at least the 13th century. Saaz was the original hop used in the world's first pilsner (Pilsner Urquell, 1842) and remains the defining aroma of Czech-style lagers.