Josef Groll brews the first pilsner beer in Pilsen

Background. Plzeň officials founded a city-owned brewery in 1839 and recruited Josef Groll, a Bavarian brewer with lager-brewing experience. Groll was hired to produce a new style of beer, which would later become known as Pilsner. The city is recognized worldwide as the home of Pilsner beer, created by Groll in 1842.

Brewing. On 5 October 1842, Josef Groll brewed the first batch of modern Pilsner beer. This batch was the world's first pale lager. The new beer was characterized by its golden color and clarity. It was first served to the public on 11 November 1842 and was very well received by the local populace.

Legacy. Pilsner Urquell was the first pale lager, and its popularity meant it was much copied, and named pils, pilsner or pilsener. The name pilsner is often used by its copies. The beer was immensely successful, influencing more than two-thirds of the beer produced in the world today.