The Slunce ve skle 2026 festival hosts a professional tasting contest with independent judging of beers in two categories. It draws on 15+ years of Czech and international beer judging experience and expertise from tasting panel professionals.

Judging will follow internationally recognized tasting rules by the Brewers Association. The focus is on objectivity, expert assessment of each beer, and unified decisions by the final panel.

A traditional Czech pale lager with light golden to amber color, medium to higher body, balanced bitterness, and high carbonation. Its aroma features Saaz hops plus subtle malt, fruity, ester, or light yeast notes. Diacetyl is low to very low; no dimethyl sulfide.

Category parameters: original gravity 11.00–12.99 °P, alcohol 3.50–5.50% vol., bitterness 20–45 IBU, color 8–18 EBC.

A modern style noted for light yellow to yellow color and pronounced cloudy haze. Typical are intense fruity aromas and flavors such as mango, apricot, peach, citrus, or pineapple, supported by strong aroma from dry hopping. The beer should feel smooth, with higher body and low to non-aggressive perceived bitterness. Diacetyl and dimethyl sulfide are unacceptable.

Category parameters: original gravity 13.00–16.99 °P, alcohol 5.00–7.50% vol., bitterness 20–60 IBU, color 6–14 EBC.

Fifteen judges will evaluate submitted beers in the first elimination round, selecting the six best samples across both categories to advance to the final.

The expert final panel deciding the finalists' ranking includes:

Jiří Faměra
Josef Krýsl
Petr Krýsl
Jan Vaňous
Miroslav David
Jan Reich
Jaroslav Dorážka
Vojtěch Koukal

Final judging will be done independently, concluding with a joint panel decision.

All six finalists appear in the final; the top three in each category will earn 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Winners receive diplomas and awards during the Slunce ve skle 2026 festival.

The tasting contest lets breweries compare beer quality through expert reviews and showcase their best brews to visitors and professionals alike.