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The History of Pilsner Urquell: The Original Golden Lager That Changed Beer Forever

November 30, 2019 by Dow Scoggins

The History of Pilsner Urquell: The Original Golden Lager That Changed Beer ForeverThe History of Pilsner Urquell
Pilsner Urquell isn’t just a brand—it’s a revolution in a glass. Born in 1842 in the Bohemian city of Plzeň (Pilsen), now part of the Czech Republic, Pilsner Urquell is recognized as the world’s first pale lager and the pioneer of an entirely new style of beer: the pilsner.

A Bold Response to Brewing Disappointment
In the early 19th century, the citizens of Plzeň were unhappy with the quality of local beer. To fix the problem, they built a new brewery—Měšťanský Pivovar (Citizens’ Brewery)—and hired Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll. Groll brought with him the knowledge of bottom fermentation, a technique that, combined with the city’s soft water, locally grown Saaz hops, and pale malt, resulted in a crisp, clear, golden lager unlike anything the world had seen before.

On October 5, 1842, the first batch of this new beer was tapped. Its brilliant clarity, bright golden color, and refreshing bitterness stunned the local population. Word spread quickly, and soon Pilsner-style lagers were being brewed across Europe and around the globe.

The Birth of a Global Icon
“Pilsner Urquell,” meaning “Original Source of Pilsner,” was adopted to distinguish the beer from the many imitators that followed. Today, over 70% of all beer consumed worldwide is brewed in the pilsner style, making Pilsner Urquell the foundational beer for modern brewing.

What makes it unique even now? The brewery continues to use traditional methods—triple decoction mashing, open flame copper kettles, and fermentation in oak lagering barrels—preserving the rich malt character and balanced bitterness that define the beer.

A Lasting Legacy
Now brewed by Plzeňský Prazdroj (part of the Asahi Group), Pilsner Urquell remains a symbol of Czech brewing heritage. Whether poured with the creamy head of a “hladinka” or enjoyed fresh from a wooden barrel in Plzeň’s historic cellars, this legendary lager continues to set the standard nearly two centuries after its creation.

 

Pilsner Urquell Brewery
U Prazdroje 64/7
301 00 Plzeň
Czech Republic​
Phone: 420 377 062 888
Website: pilsnerurquell.com

 

 

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