Pilsner Urquell
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Pilsner Urquell (in German) or Plzeňský prazdroj (in Czech) is a bottom-fermenting beer produced since 1842 in Plzeň, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic).
The beer is today the flagship brand of global brewing giant SABMiller, which has controversially also started brewing Pilsner Urquell in Poland.
As its name indicates ("Urquell" is German for "original source"), it is the world's first pilsener, or golden beer, developed by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in 1842. Most popular lagers produced in the rest of the world are based upon this original beer. Any beer that calls itself a pilsner is referring to its being made in the style of this beer, first formulated in the Plzeň area.
Pilsner Urquell is somewhat heavier (with an almost ale-like fruitiness in the malt body) and more strongly hopped than most so-called pilseners. Saaz hops, a noble hop variety, are a key element in its flavor profile.
The historical records of brewing in Plzeň date back to 1295 when Václav II gave the privilege of brewing to 260 households. The first brewery is mentioned in 1307 when it was given to the Church of St. Bartholomew as a bequest of Wolfram Zwinilinger.
[edit] See also
A tour is available at the Pilsner Urquell brewery which shows the history of beer making and the process used to make the first pilsner beer. One also has the chance to go underground into the tunnels that make up the brewery’s beer cellars. One of the highlights of the tour is drinking the unfiltered, un-pasteurized beer directly from one of the old barrels. See photo. The restaurant located on site is a great place to have a meal before exiting through the historical gate.
[edit] External links
- www.pilsnerurquell.com — the official website
- Beer production chart — an interactive scheme of the Pilsner Urquell production
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