Žatecký Světlý Ležák beer

Žatecký Světlý Ležák is a Czech-style pale lager that occupies a unique space in the beer market, being a brand with deep historical Czech roots but primarily produced in Poland for the local market. The brand's identity is built around the famous Žatec (Saaz) hops, which have been cultivated in the Žatec region of the Czech Republic for over 700 years and are considered one of the most noble hop varieties in the world.

While the brand carries a Czech name and uses a recipe developed by renowned Czech brewmaster Tomáš Lejsek, the specific product shown is brewed by Carlsberg Polska at its facilities in Poland, most notably the Okocim Brewery in Brzesko. This production is carried out under the supervision of the original Žatecký Pivovar (Žatec Brewery) to ensure authenticity.

The brand is currently owned by the Carlsberg Group, a Danish multinational. Carlsberg significantly strengthened its ties to the region by acquiring a majority stake (51%) in the Žatecký Pivovar in 2014, allowing them to leverage the prestigious 'Žatec' name for their international portfolio while maintaining local production hubs in markets like Poland and Russia.