{"id":46930,"date":"2023-04-18T08:16:28","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T12:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/?p=46930"},"modified":"2026-06-24T12:17:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T16:17:48","slug":"art-of-serving-pilsner-urquell-draft-hladinka-snyt-mliko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/art-of-serving-pilsner-urquell-draft-hladinka-snyt-mliko\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Serving Pilsner Urquell on Draft: Hladinka, \u0160nyt and Ml\u00edko"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group ai-summarization-summary\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pilsner Urquell&#8217;s serving ritual stands out for traditional styles such as Ml\u00edko, characterized by its abundant creamy foam. These methods use side-flow taps to control texture and protect the flavor of Saaz hops, creating a natural barrier that prevents oxidation of the liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Tankovna system ensures freshness through copper tanks and unpasteurized beer with natural carbonation. These serving techniques \u2014 including variants such as \u0160nyt \u2014 preserve the organoleptic properties of the drink and reflect a culture focused on technical quality and consumer experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"thebe-3416366737\" class=\"thebe-fuente-preferida-2 thebe-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=thebeertimes.com\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"A\u00f1adir como fuente preferida en google\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Anadir-como-fuente-preferida-en-google-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Anadir-como-fuente-preferida-en-google-1.jpg 638w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Anadir-como-fuente-preferida-en-google-1-300x60.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\" width=\"175\" height=\"127\"  style=\"display: inline-block;\" \/><\/a><\/div><p>It all begins with a traditional Pilsner recipe and a brewery committed to producing the highest quality in everything they do.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20227\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20227\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20227 size-full\" title=\"Pilsner Urquell serving styles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Tipos-de-servicio-Pilsner-Urquell.jpg\" alt=\"Pilsner Urquell serving styles\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Tipos-de-servicio-Pilsner-Urquell.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Tipos-de-servicio-Pilsner-Urquell-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Tipos-de-servicio-Pilsner-Urquell-114x60.jpg 114w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20227\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pilsner Urquell service<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Locally grown noble Saaz hops, malt, and local soft artesian water, combined with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/the-origins-of-lager-yeast-and-its-transatlantic-journey-from-south-america\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lager yeast<\/a> and cold conditioning in cellars, result in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/pilsner-urquell-plzensky-prazdroj-the-origin-of-the-first-blonde-beer-in-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the world&#8217;s first Pilsner<\/a> \u2014 a balanced, smooth, and golden beer.<\/p><div id=\"thebe-1113938630\" class=\"thebe-maridaje-sin-rodes thebe-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-bottom: 40px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><div style=\"background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px; max-width: 320px; margin: 20px auto; text-align: center; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-45353\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/71vKJFxJDRL._SL1500_-187x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/71vKJFxJDRL._SL1500_-187x300.jpg 187w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/71vKJFxJDRL._SL1500_.jpg 312w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #0000ff; font-weight: bold; margin: 8px 0; line-height: 1.2;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0GF4CFJBL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Maridaje de cerveza y marihuana. La ciencia sensorial para el sommelier moderno<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium fasc-ico-before dashicons-cart\" style=\"background-color: #ffd100; color: #000000;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0GF4CFJBL\">Comprar en Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>But it doesn&#8217;t end there. While making a quality Pilsner is a balance between art and science, there is something additional that makes Pilsner Urquell so special: its service.<\/p>\n<div id=\"thebe-4054027412\" style=\"margin-bottom: 30px;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9395258998211551\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><insclass=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9395258998211551\" data-ad-slot=\"8775458773\" data-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>The importance of the &#8220;tapster&#8221; in Pilsner Urquell<\/h2>\n<p>Pilsner Urquell ensures that wherever in the world their beer is available on draft, there is a certified tapster trained to guarantee the beer is served correctly.<\/p>\n<p>Tapsters are professionals respected for the art of achieving a perfect beer pour, with a certified 5-day training program carried out directly in the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic, to learn first-hand the importance and role of a perfect service.<\/p>\n<p>Pilsner Urquell is sent to pubs around the world in beautiful copper and stainless steel tanks, designed with sterilized polypropylene bags inside that protect the beer from contact with air.<\/p>\n<p>This allows the beer to be stored for extended periods of time. Then, during service, compressed air injected into the tanks presses the bag from the outside, pushing the beer through the taps.<\/p>\n<p>This means there is no need to inject any additional gas to dispense the beer, resulting in a creamier foam and very low carbonation \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/los-toneleros-pilsen-mantienen-la-tradicion-la-pilsner-original\/\">the freshest Pilsner in the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And it is at this point where the tapster&#8217;s responsibility begins \u2014 to transfer that same freshness to the consumer. Pilsner Urquell has three different beer service styles that any tapster in the world will be ready and trained to pour: Hladinka, \u0160nyt, and Ml\u00edko.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Hladinka (smooth)<\/h2>\n<p>Hladinka is the standard Pilsner Urquell service, with three fingers of foam over the liquid, which preserves its flavor as it keeps the beer fresh and balanced.<\/p>\n<p>It is the usual service in most Czech bars, as it is the perfect way to enjoy a Pilsner Urquell with friends. Refreshing and delicately bitter, the Hladinka service pairs perfectly with intense foods such as roast duck.<\/p><div id=\"thebe-2606625562\" class=\"thebe-libros-amazon thebe-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><div style=\"background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px; max-width: 320px; margin: 20px auto; text-align: center; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43340 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catar-cerveza-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Gu\u00eda Pr\u00e1ctica Catar Cerveza Amazon\" width=\"200\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catar-cerveza-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catar-cerveza-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catar-cerveza-370x370.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catar-cerveza.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #0000ff; font-weight: bold; margin: 8px 0; line-height: 1.2;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3LddZmQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Gu\u00eda pr\u00e1ctica para catar cerveza: C\u00f3mo apreciar correctamente todas las cervezas del mundo<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium fasc-ico-before dashicons-cart\" style=\"background-color: #ffd100; color: #000000;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3LddZmQ\">Comprar en Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>2. \u0160nyt (dew)<\/h2>\n<p>The \u0160nyt consists of two parts beer, three parts foam, and one part empty space at the top of the glass.<\/p>\n<p>It is not as abundant, but still manages to be more refreshing than a small beer \u2014 ideal for accompanying hearty meals such as goulash or a burger.<\/p>\n<p>\u0160nyt is also typically the service tapsters perform at the beginning of their shift to make sure everything is running smoothly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"thebe-2083083123\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9395258998211551\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><insclass=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9395258998211551\" data-ad-slot=\"1179889612\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h2>3. Ml\u00edko (milk)<\/h2>\n<p>Ml\u00edko is probably the most unusual commercial beer service, as the glass is mostly just foam \u2014 poured this way to obtain a creamy texture, slightly softer than that of a meringue.<\/p>\n<p>The Ml\u00edko service highlights the rich <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/hop-varieties-tasting-characteristics\/\">Saaz hop aromas<\/a> and the natural sweetness of Pilsner malt, in a glass full of wet foam with just a little beer at the bottom, typically served at the end of a meal as a dessert.<\/p>\n<p>Now that you know, wherever you are drinking a draft Pilsner Urquell, take a moment to appreciate it, raise your glass, and salute the work of those who make it possible.<\/p>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why is the foam so important in traditional Czech beer service?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"In Czech beer culture, foam is not merely aesthetic \u2014 it is a crucial functional component. It acts as a natural protective cap that seals the beer, preventing oxygen from coming into contact with the liquid. This prevents oxidation, maintains ideal carbonation, and retains the volatile aromas of the noble Saaz hop, ensuring the last sip is as fresh as the first.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the technical difference between Czech taps and common Western taps?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"To achieve pours like Ml\u00edko or Hladinka, traditional Czech side-flow taps (ball or horizontal lever taps) are used. Unlike standard Western taps (which simply open or close vertically), Czech taps allow the tapster to regulate with millimeter precision the amount of beer and foam that flows, controlling creaminess by manually restricting the flow inside the tap itself.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does a Ml\u00edko (milk) serving actually contain less alcohol, and is it priced the same?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A Ml\u00edko serving contains exactly the same Pilsner Urquell, so its alcohol content is identical (4.4% ABV). However, since it is practically all wet foam, the actual volume of liquid is smaller. Historically and in many traditional Czech pubs, Ml\u00edko or \u0160nyt are served at a reduced price compared to a full pour (Hladinka), conceived as a quick drink or a dessert.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why was the \u0160nyt traditionally preferred by innkeepers and people in a hurry?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Traditionally, the \u0160nyt (meaning 'cut') was the innkeeper's drink at the end of their shift, or the perfect option for someone stepping into a pub for a quick refreshment without time for a full pour. With its large proportion of foam, the beer stays extremely cold and protected, allowing it to be sipped slowly without losing its organoleptic properties.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the Tankovna copper tank system and why does it change the flavor of the beer?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Tankovna system means the beer is transported directly from the brewery in Pilsen to bars in thermal tanker trucks, and poured into large copper tanks visible to the public. By using the sterilized polyethylene bag-in-tank system, the beer is pushed by external compressed air without adding extra CO2 gas to the liquid. The result is an unpasteurized, extremely fresh beer with a much softer natural carbonation that does not bloat the stomach.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Why is foam so important in traditional Czech beer service?<\/h3>\n<p>In Czech beer culture, foam is not merely aesthetic \u2014 it is a crucial functional component. It acts as a natural protective cap that seals the beer, preventing oxygen from contacting the liquid, thus avoiding oxidation, maintaining ideal carbonation, and retaining the volatile Saaz hop aromas.<\/p>\n<h3>2. What is the technical difference between Czech taps and common Western taps?<\/h3>\n<p>Czech side-flow taps (ball or horizontal lever) allow the tapster to regulate with millimeter precision the amount of beer and foam, controlling creaminess by manually restricting the flow inside the tap. Standard Western taps simply open or close vertically.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Does a Ml\u00edko serving contain less alcohol, and is it priced the same?<\/h3>\n<p>The alcohol content is identical (4.4% ABV), but the actual liquid volume is smaller since it is mostly wet foam. In many traditional Czech pubs, Ml\u00edko and \u0160nyt are served at a reduced price \u2014 conceived as a quick drink or dessert.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Why was \u0160nyt traditionally preferred by innkeepers and people in a hurry?<\/h3>\n<p>The \u0160nyt (&#8220;cut&#8221;) was the innkeeper&#8217;s end-of-shift drink and the choice for anyone wanting a quick refreshment. Its high foam ratio keeps the beer extremely cold and protected, allowing it to be sipped slowly without losing its organoleptic properties.<\/p>\n<h3>5. What is the Tankovna copper tank system and why does it change the beer&#8217;s flavor?<\/h3>\n<p>The Tankovna system transports unpasteurized beer from Pilsen in thermal tanker trucks into copper tanks at the bar. The bag-in-tank system uses external compressed air instead of added CO2, resulting in a softer natural carbonation and an extremely fresh flavor that does not bloat the stomach.<\/p>\n<div id=\"thebe-2622702163\" class=\"thebe-maridaje-cerveza-marihuana thebe-entity-placement\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><div style=\"background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px; max-width: 320px; margin: 20px auto; text-align: center; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-49643\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Maridaje-de-Cerveza-y-queso-profesional-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Maridaje-de-Cerveza-y-queso-profesional-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Maridaje-de-Cerveza-y-queso-profesional-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Maridaje-de-Cerveza-y-queso-profesional-370x370.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Maridaje-de-Cerveza-y-queso-profesional.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #0000ff; font-weight: bold; margin: 8px 0; line-height: 1.2;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4qHemVH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\">Maridaje de cerveza y queso profesional. Ciencia, t\u00e9cnica y sinergia sensorial<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium fasc-ico-before dashicons-cart\" style=\"background-color: #ffd100; color: #000000;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"\">Comprar en Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><h2>Recommended<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/origin-history-berliner-weisse-style\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Origins and History of the Berliner Weisse Style, the &#8220;Champagne of the North&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/10-beer-and-peruvian-food-pairings-you-cant-miss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 Incredible Beer and Peruvian Food Pairings You Cannot Miss<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div id=\"thebe-681432135\" class=\"thebe-multiplex-final thebe-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisements\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9395258998211551\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><insclass=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9395258998211551\" data-ad-slot=\"2413980541\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pilsner Urquell ensures that wherever their beer is available on draft, a certified tapster is trained to serve it correctly. Discover the three traditional Czech service styles: Hladinka, \u0160nyt, and Ml\u00edko.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40401,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21119],"tags":[21662,21122,21661,21660],"class_list":["post-46930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-culture","tag-beer-service-en","tag-culture","tag-czech-republic-en","tag-pilsner-urquell-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46930\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeertimes.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}