Pilsner Urquell beer

Pilsner Urquell is the world's first pale lager, originally brewed in 1842 in the city of Plzeň, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). It was created by the Bavarian brewer Josef Groll at the Citizens' Brewery (Měšťanský pivovar) in response to the poor quality of local beers at the time. The name 'Urquell' translates to 'original source' in German, emphasizing its status as the authentic origin of the Pilsner style that now accounts for the majority of beer produced worldwide.

While the brand has had various owners over its long history, including a long period of nationalization under communist rule and later ownership by SABMiller, it was acquired by the Japanese beverage giant Asahi Group Holdings in 2017. Despite these changes in corporate ownership, the brand maintains a strict 'brewed only in Plzeň' policy to ensure the consistency and heritage of its product, utilizing the same soft water, Moravian barley, and Saaz hops as the original recipe.

As of 2026, the brand continues to be a flagship of the Asahi Group's international portfolio. The manufacturing process still incorporates traditional methods like triple decoction and parallel brewing in wooden barrels alongside modern production, serving as both a global commercial success and a significant cultural landmark for the Czech Republic.