Pilsen Beer: Where To Buy The Best Brews

If you're looking to buy a pilsner beer, you're in luck! This unique and refreshing type of pale lager is widely available around the world. Pilsner, also known as pilsener or simply pils, gets its name from the city of Plzeň (or Pilsen) in the Czech Republic, where it was first brewed in 1842 by Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll. Today, pilsner is enjoyed globally, with major markets including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Sweden, Hungary, and Austria. You can find pilsner in pubs, restaurants, and breweries, as well as purchase it from online retailers and liquor stores. So, whether you're in the heart of Plzeň or exploring new cities, you're never far from a refreshing glass of pilsner.

Buy pilsen beer at the source in Plzeň, Czech Republic

Buy pilsner beer at the source in Plzeň, Czech Republic

Pilsner beer is a type of pale lager that was first brewed in the city of Plzeň (formerly known as Pilsen) in the Czech Republic. Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pale lager, was produced in 1842 by the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The beer is characterised by its golden colour and clarity and is brewed using local ingredients, including soft water, local Saaz hops, low-protein Moravian barley malt and Bavarian-style lagering.

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery is located in the city of Plzeň and offers tours in English that allow visitors to learn about the history and brewing process of this famous lager. The brewery is one of the top ten most visited tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, with more than half a million visitors from around the world every year. During the tour, you will have the chance to see both historic and present-day brewhouses and modern bottling plants with a capacity of 120,000 bottles per hour. You can then taste the ingredients used to make the lager in an exposition dedicated to the senses. The tour also includes a visit to the labyrinth of hand-carved historic cellars, measuring 9 kilometres, where you can sample unfiltered and unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell beer drawn directly from oak barrels.

In addition to the traditional tours, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery also offers a range of experience programmes, such as the Pilsner Urquell Draft Beer Workshop, where you can learn the correct principles of beer tapping from experienced barmen. The brewery also offers the opportunity to rent a traditional "šalanda", or a room where beer workers once ate and rested. For those looking to bring home some souvenirs, there is a brand-name gift shop located on the premises, as well as a Tourist Information Centre on the main city square (Republic Square) that sells Pilsner Urquell merchandise.

When visiting the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň, you can easily get to the brewery, which is just one hour outside of Prague. The address of the brewery is U Prazdroje 7, 301 00 Pilsen, and tours are offered at the following times: Monday-Friday at 12:30, 14:45, and 16:15, and Saturday-Sunday at 10:15, 12:30, 14:45, and 16:15. Ticket prices vary depending on age and group, with adults paying CZK 380, children under 15, students, and seniors paying CZK 300, children aged 3-6 paying CZK 50, and family admission costing CZK 1050.

Find pilsen beer in pubs in Plzeň

If you're looking for a pint of the good stuff—Pilsen beer—in the city it was created, Plzeň, then you're in luck. There are plenty of pubs in the city that serve this local treasure.

Plzeň is known for its beer, and the city has a long history of brewing. In 1295, when the city of Plzeň was founded, the Czech king Wenceslaus II granted some city homes the right to brew. In 1307, the city was granted brewing rights. The first batch of bottom-fermented Pilsen lager was brewed in 1842 by Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll.

Today, you can find Pilsen beer in many pubs across the city. In fact, around 99% of pubs in Plzeň sell Pilsner Urquell or Gambrinus. If you're looking for a more traditional experience, you might want to try one of the city's oldest pubs. The oldest, Restaurace U Salzmannu, first opened its doors in 1637. Here, you can enjoy a stylish atmosphere and traditional Czech specialties, along with your pint of Pilsen. Another classic pub is Hospoda Na Spilce, located in the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. This pub recently reopened after two years and offers a completely renovated interior and a new menu of Czech classics with a modern twist.

In addition to these classic pubs, there are several other spots in Plzeň where you can enjoy a well-crafted Pilsen. One unique option is The PUB, Pilsner Unique Bar, which features beer taps on each table, allowing customers to dispense their own drinks. If you're looking for a pub with a modern feel, you might want to check out Plzeňka, located near the city square. Here, you can enjoy your Pilsen served in one of three traditional ways: šnyt, hladinka, and mlíko. For a truly fresh pint, you can visit Lokal Pod Divadlem, where the beer travels directly from the tank to your glass, ensuring it stays fresh until the last drop.

So, if you're in Plzeň and craving a taste of the local brew, be sure to check out one of the many pubs that serve Pilsen beer. Whether you're looking for a traditional experience or something more modern, you're sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy a well-crafted pint.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery tours

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň, Czech Republic, is the birthplace of the world's first pale lager, also known as Pilsner Urquell. The brewery has been in operation since 1842, and offers tours and tastings to visitors from all over the world. Here is a guide to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tours:

History of the Brewery

Pilsner Urquell Brewery was established in 1842 when Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll arrived in Plzeň and brewed the first batch of pale lager on 5 October 1842. The combination of local ingredients, including soft Plzeň water, local Saaz hops, and Moravian barley malt, created a clear, golden beer that became an instant success. Over the years, the brewery has expanded its reach, with the beer becoming available in Prague by 1853, Vienna by 1856, and Paris by 1862. The Pilsner Urquell trademark was created in 1898 to emphasise being the original brewery, derived from the German word "Urquell" meaning 'original source'.

The Brewery Tour Experience

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour invites visitors to learn about the past and present of this global lager. The tour takes you through the historic and modern brewhouses, showcasing the entire brewing process. You will also visit the packaging plant, which has a remarkable capacity of 120,000 bottles per hour. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to taste unfiltered and unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell beer straight from the lagering kegs in the famous lagering cellars. These cellars span an incredible 9 kilometres and maintain a temperature of around +5 °C, so visitors are advised to dress warmly.

Tour Options and Pricing

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery offers a range of tour options to cater to different preferences. The traditional tour includes a visit to the brewery, an exhibition of ingredients, a film about the brewing process, and a tasting of unfiltered beer. This tour costs CZK 451 for adults and CZK 300 for children under 15, students, and seniors. Family admission is available for CZK 1050.

In addition to the traditional tour, the brewery also offers experience programmes such as the Pilsner Urquell Draft Beer Workshop, where participants can learn the art of beer tapping from experienced barmen. The brewery also offers rental options for traditional "šalanda" rooms, providing a unique setting for groups.

Tour Availability and Booking

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tours are available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, Russian, and French. Tours in English are typically offered from Monday to Sunday at various time slots throughout the day. It is recommended to check the current tour times on the Tickets Prazdroj website or contact the brewery directly for bookings and inquiries.

Visitor Reviews

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with many praising the informative and interactive nature of the tour, as well as the delicious beer tasting at the end. Some reviewers highlighted the friendly and helpful staff, while others mentioned the convenience of the location, just an hour outside of Prague.

In conclusion, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour is a must-do experience for beer enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the rich history and tradition of the Pilsner lager. With its award-winning status, global recognition, and the opportunity to taste unfiltered beer straight from the source, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour promises an immersive and memorable experience.

Pilsner Urquell online shop

Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pale lager, has been brewed in Plzeň, Czech Republic, since 1842. The beer is now available in over 50 countries worldwide, and you can also buy it online from several retailers.

Official Online Shop

Pilsner Urquell has an official online shop, eshop.prazdroj.cz, where you can buy a variety of branded items, including clothing, mugs, glasses, and other accessories. They also offer vouchers for unique experiences, such as tours of their breweries or draught beer workshops.

Online Retailers

Pilsner Urquell can be purchased online from various international retailers, such as:

• Casillowine.com (based in Italy)
• Pivana.cz (based in the Czech Republic)

Visiting the Brewery

If you're ever in Plzeň, you can visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and take a tour to learn about the history and brewing process of this famous lager. The brewery offers traditional tours, as well as experience programs such as the Pilsner Urquell Draft Beer Workshop, where you can learn the correct principles of beer tapping from experienced barmen.

Pilsner beer in the USA

Pilsner is one of the most popular beer styles in America. It originated in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic in 1842. Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pale lager, was the original pilsner beer, and its popularity meant that it was copied and imitated all over the world.

When Pilsner was introduced to the United States, brewers adapted it in several ways. Modern American pilsners tend to have a more pronounced bitterness and a unique hop profile, with brewers experimenting with local or new-world hop varieties. They also tend to have a slightly higher alcohol content, with ABV often exceeding 5.0%. American brewers also frequently use dry-hopping techniques, which add to the beer's hop aroma and flavour without adding bitterness.

• Trumer Pils: Brewed by Trumer Brewery in California, this pilsner is a sister beer to Trumer Brauerei in Austria. It is crisp and clean, with grassy hop aromas and a light, malty sweetness balanced by a refreshing bitterness.
• Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils: This Czech-style pilsner, brewed by Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado, is hopped with Saaz and Aramis. It has a light, refreshing profile with a subtle malt sweetness and a hint of hops for a refreshing finish.
• Victory Prima Pils: This vibrant, hop-forward pilsner is brewed by Victory Brewing Co. in Pennsylvania. It has floral and spicy notes, balanced by a crisp malt backbone.
• Firestone Walker Pivo Pils: An iconic Italian-style pilsner brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in California. It is crisp and refreshing with floral hop aromas, lemon zest, and a clean, dry finish with a slight bitterness.

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