The name “pilsner” is derived from the city of Plzeň, also known as Pilsen, which is located in what is now the Czech Republic. This city holds a significant place in beer history as it was the birthplace of the world's first pale lager, now famously known as Pilsner Urquell.
In the early 19th century, the beer landscape in Europe was dominated by darker, heavier beers. However, the citizens of Plzeň desired a lighter and more refreshing beer. They sought to create a beer that was golden in color, had a crisp taste, and a clear appearance. To achieve this, they needed to make use of new brewing techniques and ingredients.
The citizens of Plzeň formed a brewing committee in 1838 with the goal of developing a new style of beer. They brought in a Bavarian brewer named Josef Groll to lead the project. Groll combined his brewing expertise with the local brewing traditions to create a groundbreaking beer.
In 1842, after years of experimentation and refinement, Groll successfully brewed the first pale lager in Plzeň. This beer was made using a bottom-fermenting yeast strain and a combination of lightly kilned malt and locally sourced Saaz hops. The use of this yeast strain and the specific combination of ingredients resulted in a beer with a pale golden color, a crisp and clean taste, and a distinct hop aroma.
The beer was an instant success and gained popularity not only in Plzeň but also throughout Europe. It quickly became known as Pilsner, named after the city where it was brewed. The term “pilsner” soon became associated with this new style of beer, characterized by its pale color, balanced hop bitterness, and smooth malt profile.
Since the creation of the first pilsner, the style has spread worldwide and has become one of the most popular beer styles. Many breweries around the world now produce their own versions of pilsner, adhering to the traditional brewing methods and using similar ingredients to recreate the classic Pilsner Urquell taste.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to visit Plzeň and tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. It was fascinating to see the historic brewing equipment and learn about the rich brewing traditions of the city. Tasting a fresh pint of Pilsner Urquell straight from the source was a truly memorable experience, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the origins and heritage of the pilsner style.
The name “pilsner” is derived from the city of Plzeň, where the world's first pale lager was brewed. This beer, now known as Pilsner Urquell, was created in 1842 by Josef Groll using a bottom-fermenting yeast strain, lightly kilned malt, and Saaz hops. The success of this beer led to the establishment of the pilsner style, characterized by its pale color, crisp taste, and balanced hop bitterness.