The Original Pilsener

Power in numbers, folks! Towns, communities, even groups of people can become powerful and influential when dissatisfaction is among them. This was the case in the town of Pilsen, Bohemia around 1838. Citizens were fed up with the quality level of the beers available to them. They decided to dump cask upon cask of their low-quality(albeit drinkable) ale into the streets. Soon after, in 1839, the citizens founded and built their own brewery. They wanted to brew beer in the bavarian style, which uses bottom-fermenting yeasts. The town hired reknowned Bavarian brewer, Josef Groll. His use of modern technology and new paler malts melded to produce the world's first golden beer. This new brew was very pale in color, high in hops, light bodied, and crisp with a bit of carbonation. The beer instantly became popular among the locals. The transportation and communication of the times made this brew widely available throughout Europe. This Pilsen style Lager soon after became imitated by breweries around Europe. In 1859 "Pilsen Bier" became a brand name. To emphasize the beers' origination in Pilsen, the brewery trademarked the name "Pilsner Urquell", meaning "of the source." Pilsen-style Lager enjoys recognition around the world. The most popular are brewed in Europe, but they can be found from all corners of the world. The West Vail Liquor Mart is proud to carry a fine selection of these great beers. From the Czech Republic: Pilsner Urquell and Czechvar. From Germany: Konig Pilsener, Saint Pauli Girl, Paulaner, Becks, Bitburger, and Warsteiner. From Holland: Heineken, Amstel, and Grolsch. From Belgium: Stella Artois. From Austria: Trumer Pils. From America: Victory Prima Pils, etc.

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