Pilsner Urquell: The Original Pilsner

Overview

• First brewed: 11 November 1842 in Plzeň (Pilsen), Bohemia by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll.
• Alcohol by volume (ABV): ~4.4%.
• Style: Pale lager (Pilsner), made using Saaz hops, soft Plzeň water, and traditional triple-decoction.

Production & Distribution

• Brewed exclusively in Plzeň, Czech Republic.
• Annual production: ~11 million hectolitres.
• Exported to 50–70 countries, including:
  • Germany
  • Slovakia
  • South Korea
  • China
  • Japan
  • UK
  • USA
  • Sweden
  • Canada
  • Hungary
• Owned by Asahi Breweries (Japan) since 2017.

Cultural & Historical Impact

• Inventor of the Pilsner style – the model for two-thirds of beers consumed globally.
• “Pilsner” was trademarked in 1898.
• By 1913, it was Europe’s largest brewery by production volume.

Beer Culture & Consumption

• Czech Republic = World leader in per capita beer consumption:
  • ~157–188 liters per person annually!
• Beer is considered part of everyday life and national identity.
• Events like Pilsner Fest celebrate this golden treasure every year.

Market Stats

• Global beer consumption (2022): ~192 million kL (~303 billion bottles).
• Pilsner market size (2023): USD 24.5 billion
  • Expected to grow to USD 42.8 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~6.2%).

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📌 Want to learn more?

Want to learn more about Czech beers? Visit a beer museum or enjoy a beer dinner in Prague:
👉 Discover Czech Beer Culture – Self-guided Tour and Tasting

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🍻 My Favorite Czech Beer

While Pilsner Urquell is the original and most famous, my personal favorite is Gambrinus – smooth, balanced, and a true local favorite.

But nothing beats a glass of unpasteurized tank Pilsner Urquell at a proper Czech pub. It’s like tasting beer history in its freshest form.

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What's your favorite Czech beer?