Pilsner Urquell, the world’s original golden pilsner, is celebrating 180 years of putting foam smiles on people’s faces. First brewed on the 5th October 1842, through its iconic pilsner style, the brand, which is part of Asahi Europe & International, has inspired thousands of other pilsner beers around the world.
To commemorate the momentous anniversary, this year’s annual Pilsner Fest will be taking place in the city of Plzeň, Czech Republic, where Pilsner Urquell first originated, on Saturday 8th October.
Throughout its history, Pilsner Urquell has been brewed in the same brewery in Plzeň, with the same Czech ingredients and recipe from 1842.
Pilsner Urquell, distinctive for its dense, creamy foam, is reinforced through the Pilsner Urquell Tapster Programme, a global community of trained bartenders who champion beer quality and pour the perfect pint (with three fingers of foam, of course) all over the world.
Pilsner Urquell is dedicated to the goals of Asahi Europe & International’s Legacy 2030 sustainability strategy, working with farmers from the region to maintain the tradition of local cooperation using high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Pilsner Urquell’s brewery in Plzeň has maintained its perfect recipe and brewing process, whilst responding to the world’s changing climate with a strong commitment to sustainability. Since 2021 Pilsner Urquell’s bottles use 100% recyclable paper labels, saving 48.4 tonnes of aluminium and 57.6 tonnes of plastic every year.
Ard Bossema, Pilsner Urquell Global Brand Director said: “Our 180th anniversary is an emotional milestone. Our golden pilsner is now the world’s favourite style of beer. It’s also a celebration of the passion, consistency and integrity that’s gone into crafting every drop for over 180 years. In a world where things are evolving at lightning speed, we’re proud to say we haven’t changed a thing – from the way we brew our beer to the way it’s poured with three fingers of foam.”
Kamil Růžek, Pilsner Urquell Senior Trade Brewmaster added: “The traditional Pilsner foam style is important on many levels. It creates the perfect balance in our beer – the creamy sweetness complements the bitterness of the Saaz hops. It’s also our quality promise to consumers, as good foam can only come from good ingredients. Finally, it acts as a barrier to oxygen, keeping the beer fresher for longer.”
