One beer “gave us a vocabulary that includes the word pilsner for a style of beer, the word pilsner for a type of malt, and the word pilsner for a type of glassware,” observes the Prague-based writer Evan Rail. “No other brewery has had that type of impact,” he concludes.
He isn’t exaggerating. It’s hard to argue that any other brewery or beer has had a greater impact on the world than Pilsner Urquell, the subject of this episode of One Iconic Beer. Among the first golden lagers ever made, it would soon spark a wave of imitators that would spread around the world, a legacy we can see in every pub and store that servers beer.
How did a brand-new brewery located in a small Bohemian town with no history of making lagers pull off this trick? And what was so special about the original pilsner that has allowed it to flourish for nearly two centuries?
We’ll hear from Rail, who has written more extensively about Czech beer than any English-language writer, about the breweries origins and its development over decades filled with revolution, war, and turmoil. We also hear from Kamil Ruzek, a brewer who has spent the past 24 years at the brewery. He takes us into the brewery and shows us how things work.
Join us for the remarkable story of the world’s most influential beer on this episode of One Iconic Beer.
Listen to the whole conversation where you download podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Overcast.
This episode is sponsored by:
Tired of inconsistent fermentations and off-flavors in your beer? It’s time to strike back with Yeast Lightning Nutrient from Escarpment Labs. Unlike generic nutrients, Yeast Lightning is a balanced blend containing bioavailable zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins designed specifically for beer yeast. It’s been proven to shorten fermentation times and improve final beer flavor. Plus, it helps you get more generations out of your yeast, saving you money on every batch. Whether it’s a dry-hopped IPA or a crisp lager, give your yeast the fuel they actually need. Order your first pack today by emailing sales@escarpmentlabs.com. Mention the All About Beer podcast to get free shipping on your first order.
This episode of the One Iconic Beer podcast is supported by RahrBSG – trusted supplier to brewers, distillers, and beverage makers across North America. From the barley field to your brewhouse, we’re proud to support the people behind great beer with the ingredients, expertise, and service they depend on. Whether you’re brewing the next great American Double IPA or crafting an award-winning continental lager, RahrbSG provides the industry’s finest quality, selection, and support. Behind every great – or even iconic – pint, there is a partner who knows what it takes to make it happen. RahrBSG is proud to keep the beer flowing with you.
At All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.
Jeff Alworth has been writing about beer since the late-1990s. His books include the award-winning titles The Beer Bible and The Secrets of Master Brewers. His articles have been published in a wide range of publications including All About Beer, and he currently writes the “Style School” column for Craft Beer and Brewing magazine. Since 2006, he has maintained his award-winning blog, Beervana.
