The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Beer›Pilsner
Culture & Lifestyle • Beer

Pilsner

Pilsner is a type of pale lager beer named after the Bohemian city of Plzeň (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pilsner is a type of pale lager beer named after the Bohemian city of Plzeň (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic. It originated in 1842 with the brewing of Pilsner Urquell, the first widely recognized pale lager, and later became one of the most influential beer styles in the world. In Canada, pilsner is widely sold and brewed, with consumers using the term for both Czech-style and German-style pale lagers.

Origin

Pilsner originated in the 19th century in Plzeň, in the Bohemian region of what is now the Czech Republic. The style emerged from brewing at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in 1842 and became associated with the first pale lager.

Characteristics

Pilsner is generally a light-coloured lager with a clean, crisp taste and pronounced hop bitterness or aroma. It is commonly described as pale, golden, and refreshing, with regional variants such as Czech and German pilsners.

Influence

Pilsner became one of the most widely imitated beer styles and helped shape modern lager brewing. Many beers labelled pilsner today are based on, or inspired by, the original Bohemian style.

Key facts

  • Pilsner is a pale lager style of beer.
  • The style takes its name from Plzeň, historically known in German as Pilsen.
  • The first beer identified with the style was brewed in 1842 in Plzeň.
  • Pilsner Urquell is the original beer associated with the style.
  • Pilsners are commonly described as golden or pale, with a crisp finish and notable hop character.
🍁
Canadian context

Pilsner is widely sold and brewed in Canada, and Canadian beer drinkers commonly use the term for pale lagers in both Czech-style and German-style traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pilsner?
A pilsner is a pale lager beer style, typically light in colour and crisp in flavour.
Where did pilsner originate?
It originated in Plzeň, Bohemia, now in the Czech Republic.
When was the first pilsner brewed?
The first beer associated with the style was brewed in 1842.
Why is it called pilsner?
The name comes from the city of Plzeň, known in German as Pilsen.
Is every lager a pilsner?
No. Pilsner is a type of lager, but not all lagers are pilsners.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilsner
    Supports: Definition as a pale lager; name origin in Plzeň; 1842 origin.
  2. German Patent and Trade Mark Office — https://www.dpma.de/english/our_office/publications/background/food-drink/beerip/index.html
    Supports: 1842 first brew using the Pilsner method.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilsner_Urquell
    Supports: Pilsner Urquell as the original beer associated with the style and its brewery in Plzeň.
  4. Beer & Brewing / Oxford Companion to Beer — https://www.beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/ViBLMl59ag
    Supports: Pilsner as a pale, golden lager originally from the Czech Republic.
  5. CraftBeer.com — https://www.craftbeer.com/styles/german-style-pilsener
    Supports: General style characteristics of German-style pilsner.