The Foundation of Some of the Most Popular Beer Brands
Pilsner-style beers have long been associated with some of the most recognizable beer brands in the world. Many beer lovers are surprised to learn that while Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Coors are often mistakenly considered Pilsners, they are actually lagers. However, the influence of the Pilsner style cannot be ignored. It has shaped the beer world for centuries and paved the way for iconic brews that continue to be enjoyed today.
What Exactly is Pilsner?
Pilsner is a specific type of pale lager that originated in the Czech town of Plzeň (or Pilsen) in the early 19th century. It is known for its light golden color, crisp, refreshing taste, and balanced hop bitterness. Pilsner has become one of the most popular beer styles globally. The key characteristics of Pilsners include a smooth malt profile and a noticeable hop flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Coors: Not Quite Pilsners
These American brands are often associated with lighter beers, but they don’t fit the true definition of a Pilsner. Both Budweiser and Coors are lagers, which is a broader category of beers fermented at cooler temperatures, resulting in a clean and crisp flavor. Meanwhile, Pabst Blue Ribbon is also a lager, but it doesn’t align with the characteristics of a Pilsner either. These beers share some similarities in taste. They both are light body and easy drinkability—but they lack the distinctive hop-forward profile found in true Pilsners.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
A Brief History of Pilsner
The story of Pilsner begins in 1842 when Bavarian brewer Joseph Groll created the first pale lager at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň. This beer was a game-changer. The use of pale malts, the lagering process, and the distinctive Saaz hops from the region resulted in a clear, golden beer that was unlike anything the world had seen before. Pilsner Urquell is still brewed today. It remains the benchmark for Pilsners, and it sparked a beer revolution that quickly spread across Europe and beyond.
Different Types of Pilsner Around the World
The Pilsner style is still synonymous with the Czech Republic. Pilsner has evolved into several substyles, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Czech Pilsners: These beers are known for their deep golden color, smooth texture, and the signature Saaz hops. Famous brands include Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar (known as Czechvar in the U.S.).
- German Pilsners: Known for their slightly crisper, earthier taste, German Pilsners often use floral noble hops. Popular examples include Bitburger, Warsteiner, and Krombacher.
- European Pilsners: Brewed in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, these beers often have a sweeter taste and may include adjunct grains. Stella Artois and Heineken are well-known European Pilsners.
- American Pilsners: Brought to the U.S. by German immigrants, American Pilsners are typically brewed with corn and rice alongside the classic Pilsner ingredients. These beers often feature a lighter body and less bitterness compared to their European counterparts.
- Mexican Pilsners: With a refreshing, crisp taste, many Mexican beers like Pacífico and Modelo Especial are brewed in the Pilsner style, thanks to European brewing influence.
Why Pilsner is Making a Comeback
In recent years, craft breweries have been rediscovering the Pilsner. After a long period of experimenting with bold, hop-heavy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, many brewers are returning to the roots of brewing with classic Pilsners. These beers are a way for brewers to showcase their craftsmanship, as brewing a flawless Pilsner is no easy feat. The clean, simple nature of the beer leaves no room for imperfections. A Pilsner is a true test of a brewer’s skill.
Pilsners are more than just light, crisp beers—they are the foundation of some of the world’s most iconic brands. The early Pilsners have had a significant impact on the evolution of beer brewing. Though beers like Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Coors aren’t true Pilsners, they’ve certainly been influenced by the style. With its rich history and resurgence in the craft beer world, Pilsner is undoubtedly a timeless classic.