All About Pilsner

Pilsner, or Pilsener, is a style of beer that has its origins in the city of Plzen in what is now known as the Czech Republic. It is one of the most popular beers in the world, and has had a large impact on brewing methods over the past 150 years. Pilsner is a lager that sets itself apart from other lagers because of its light golden color and sparkling clarity. And it all got started with Pilsner Urquell.

A little history

The first Pilsner was brewed in Plzen, Bohemia, a place long on the map for its breweries, in 1842 by Josef Groll. Due to its light color and full taste at a time when beer was dark, heavy, and cloudy Pilsner instantly became popular. It continued to be brewed in Plzen, and was called Pilsener Beer.

In 1871 it was exported to the United States, where American beer makers fell in love with its taste and tried to reproduce its style. After several breeches of the Pilsener name, it was trademarked "Pilsner Urquell" in 1898. "Urquell," interestingly, means the "original source" in German.

The perfect makeup

So what makes Pilsner Urquell so special? Pilsner is made up of the following ingredients, which give it its color, flavor, and taste.

Soft Plzen water. The fresh water source, located near the brewery, is said to contain extremely soft water, a component of many excellent beers.

Home-malted barley. The barley in a Pilsner Urquell is light in color and has a low protein content.

Native Saaz hops. This type of hop, sometimes called a Noble Hop, is world renowned and touted for its low bitterness and high aroma.

Bavarian lager yeast. This type of local yeast is known for producing rich, fill-bodied, malty beers.

Beware of Imitators!

Once Pilsner Urquell hit the US, brewers immediately tried to find a way to imitate it. Many American beers, most notably Budweiser, were seeking to achieve the same taste and look as a Czech Pilsner. Unfortunately, none come close to a Pilsner Urquell.

Never had one?

If you're looking to try Pilsner Urquell, you can find it at grocery and liquor stores and on draft or in bottles at bars or restaurants.