Pilsner

Pilsner, also called pilsener, is a pale lager beer style that originated in Plzeň (Pilsen), Bohemia, in what is now the Czech Republic. It is brewed with pale malt, uses bottom-fermenting yeast, and is lagered at cool temperatures. The style is typically pale gold to straw colored, clear, and smooth, with a light to moderate body and a noticeable hop character, often described as herbal or spicy, largely from Saaz hops.

In 1842, the Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery produced the first beer identified as a pilsner, Pilsner Urquell, by brewer Josef Groll. This beer set the archetype for pale lagers: bright, well-attenuated, and clarified with a distinct hop bitterness. The style soon spread across Europe and beyond, giving rise to many regional variants noted as pilsners.

Typical pilsners have an IBUs of roughly 28–40, color about 4–6 SRM, and ABV around 4.2–5.6%. They are brewed with lager yeast at near-freezing temperatures and undergo extended conditioning to achieve clarity and a clean finish. Aroma features hop-derived notes with a light malt background.

Regional variants include Czech pilsners, which emphasize Saaz hop aroma and a firmer hop bite, and German pilsners, known for a crisp, dry finish. American versions range from light, highly hopped, or craft-style pilseners. Pilsners are commonly served in tall, narrow glasses designed to showcase clarity and head retention.