Beer Galaxy
Pilsner — The Czech Golden Lager (Pils)
The Pilsner — or Pils — is without doubt one of the most influential beer styles in modern history. Born on 5 October 1842 in Pilsen (Plzeň in Czech), Bohemia, under the leadership of Bavarian master brewer Josef Groll, it is the very first pale lager in the world. Its bright golden colour, its persistent white head and its remarkable balance between biscuit malt and noble Saaz hop revolutionised the brewing world and inspired the vast majority of industrial blonde beers produced since. From the original Czech style to the more bitter German version and the ultra-aromatic modern Italian Pilsner, the Pilsner family offers a fascinating diversity behind an apparent simplicity.
Style characteristics
| Abv | 4.5% – 5.5% |
|---|---|
| Ibu | 25 – 45 (more than most industrial lagers) |
| Ebc | 6 – 12 (straw yellow to bright gold) |
| Appearance | Crystal clear, bright, persistent white head |
| Fermentation | Bottom (lager), 8–12 °C |
| Signature_hop | Saaz (Czech), Hallertau, Tettnanger (German) |
| Serving_temperature | 4 – 7 °C |
| Glass | Tulip Pilsner glass, krug |
Sub-styles
- Czech Premium Pale Lager (Czech Pilsner) The original style — Pilsner Urquell is the reference. Pronounced biscuit malt, Saaz hop, soft and persistent finish.
- German Pils German variant — drier, more bitter, paler. Hallertau or Tettnanger hops. Examples: Bitburger, Jever, König Pilsener.
- Italian Pilsner A modern creation by Tipopils (Birrificio Italiano, 1996): Czech Pils dry-hopped with noble hops. More aromatic.
- Mexican / American Pilsner Softened versions adding maize or rice for a lighter profile (Corona, Tecate).
- Alcohol-free or gluten-free Pilsner Modern dietary variants, increasingly present in the craft offer.
All Pilsners in our catalogue
15 beers in this family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pilsner?
A Pilsner (or Pils) is a pale lager, that is, a bottom-fermented beer (8–12 °C with Saccharomyces pastorianus yeast). Invented in Pilsen, Czechia, in 1842, it is recognisable by its crystal-clear golden colour, its persistent white head and its noble hop signature (Saaz). Its ABV sits between 4.5% and 5.5%.
What is the difference between Pils and Pilsner?
Pils and Pilsner refer to exactly the same style — it is simply an abbreviation. “Pilsner” is the long form (from “beer of Pilsen”), “Pils” the short form popularised in Germany. In practice, the two words are interchangeable.
Pilsner vs Lager: what is the difference?
A Pilsner is ONE type of Lager, but a specific one: a pale lager, hoppier and more bitter than most industrial lagers (Heineken, Kronenbourg) which are Pale Lagers or International Lagers. Every Pilsner is a Lager, not every Lager is a Pilsner.
What is the Saaz hop?
Saaz (from the Czech Žatec, a Bohemian town) is one of the four European noble hops, the signature hop of Czech Pilsner. It contributes herbal, lightly spicy and floral aromas, with a very fine bitterness. This is what sets Pilsner Urquell apart from other lagers: its Saaz load is massive compared to industrial norms.
Which Pilsners should I try to discover the style?
For Czech Premium: Pilsner Urquell (the absolute reference), Budweiser Budvar (Czech, not to be confused with the American one). For German Pils: Bitburger, Jever, Krombacher Pils. For Italian Pilsner: Birrificio Italiano Tipopils (the creator of the style), Birra del Borgo My Antonia. More adventurous: French craft Pils (Brasserie du Mont-Blanc, Deck & Donohue D Pilsner).
How should I serve a Pilsner?
At 4–7 °C, in a tall narrow tulip Pilsner glass that showcases the white head and lets the hop aromas express themselves. Pour with the glass tilted, then upright to obtain a 2–3 cm head. Pilsner Urquell is traditionally served with three pouring techniques (Hladinka, Šnyt, Mlíko) which modify the tasting experience.