Josef Groll and the Birth of Pilsner in 1842
Pilsner is one of the most iconic beer styles in the world, but do you know where it all began? In 1842, a German brewer named Josef Groll brewed the world’s first-ever pilsner, forever changing the landscape of beer. His innovation took place in the Czech city of Plzeň (German: Pilsen), and the beer he crafted—Pilsner Urquell—continues to be brewed in the same city to this day. Let’s dive into the history of this groundbreaking beer and the man behind the birth of pilsner, Josef Groll.
Brewing the First Pilsner
The origins of Pilsner can be traced back to the early 1800s in Plzeň. At that time, the locals were turning away from traditional top-fermented beers in favor of more affordable imported bottom-fermented beers. These new beers were more stable, had a longer shelf life, and appealed to the people of Plzeň, but local breweries were struggling to keep up with the demand. In 1839, the burghers of Plzeň decided it was time for a change and constructed a new brewery, Měšťanský pivovar Plzeň, which would later be known as Pilsner Urquell.
To ensure this new brewery could create bottom-fermented beer, the city hired Josef Groll. Groll was a Bavarian brewer experienced in lager brewing. Groll’s techniques, combined with the soft Plzeň water, Saaz hops, and a special malt drying process, resulted in the first golden lager, Pilsner Urquell. The beer was so well received when it debuted in November 1842 that demand skyrocketed. This lead to the expansion of the brewery and exportation to other countries.
Groll’s Legacy
Though Groll’s contract with the brewery ended in 1845, his creation left a lasting mark on the beer world. His pale lager became the prototype for the pilsner style. Pilsner style accounts for over two-thirds of the beer produced globally. Groll’s legacy lives on, and today, many breweries around the world still brew pilsners in homage to his pioneering work.
While Groll’s original brewery no longer exists, the spirit of his craft lives on through modern pilsner makers. Interestingly, parts of Groll’s brewery were acquired by the Wolferstetter brewery. They continue to brew a Josef Groll Pils to this day, maintaining the tradition of his work.
The Enduring Popularity of Pilsner
The pilsner style, with its crisp, clean taste and golden hue, quickly gained popularity, especially in Germany and beyond. Over time, it became the go-to beer for countless beer drinkers worldwide. This influenced beer styles in America, where it eventually led to the creation of light lagers.
Even though pilsner may not always receive the recognition it deserves in today’s beer scene, it remains an essential part of beer culture. Thanks to the craft beer movement, pilsner is undergoing a revival, with breweries experimenting with unique hops and malts while still honoring Groll’s original techniques.
For beer enthusiasts, the story of pilsner is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless flavor. So next time you pour yourself a cold pilsner, take a moment to appreciate its rich history, dating back to that very first brew by Josef Groll in 1842.
From its humble beginnings in Plzeň to becoming a global beer style, pilsner has certainly left its mark on the beer world. If you’re a fan of crisp, refreshing lagers, you’re drinking a piece of history every time you enjoy a pilsner. So here’s to Josef Groll, the Father of the Pilsner, and the lasting legacy of his iconic brew!