Looking for craft Pilsners and lagers? Discover the selection on Maltese — Italian Pilsner, Helles, Lager, and much more. Shipping 24-48h.
Quick guide to Pilsner: origins, pronunciation, brands, and what to look for
What is a Pilsner?
Pilsner is a bottom-fermented beer style (lager) born in the city of Pilsen, in today's Czech Republic, in the 19th century. Slim body, hop spiciness, dry and refreshing finish. Over time, regional variants have developed — Czech and German — and today there are also contemporary Italian interpretations.
How do you pronounce "Pilsner"?
- In English: pilz-ner or pilz-nər.
- In German: pils-ner with a dry s.
- In Italian, you often hear "pils-ner" or "pilzner"; the important thing is to recognize the style: a pale, hoppy lager.
Famous Pilsner brands
- Pilsner Urquell — the original Czech, a historical reference for the style.
- Bitburger, Jever, Krombacher — famous examples of German Pils.
- Pilsener (El Salvador) — one of the most widespread brands in Central America.
- Craft microbreweries — many offer Pilsners revisited with modern hops or local aromatic profiles.
German Pilsner vs Czech Pilsner
- German Pils: drier, lighter body, crisp finish; sharper and more herbal hops, more pronounced bitterness.
- Czech Pils (Bohemian Pilsner): slightly rounder and maltier body; noble hops (Saaz) with a softer spicy and floral aroma.
Typical ingredients (e.g. Pilsner Urquell)
- Light malt (Pilsner malt): sweet and delicate base.
- Noble hops (Saaz): floral, herbal, and spicy aromas, balanced bitterness.
- Water: mineral composition influences smoothness and bitterness perception.
- Low fermentation lager yeast: typical style cleanliness and brightness.
Italian Pilsner: what to look for
Many Italian microbreweries produce Pilsner with a Mediterranean "twist" — herbal aromas, citrus notes from hops, or a light malty accent. Look for: malt/hop balance, local aromatic notes without overpowering the style’s crispness, freshness, and fine carbonation.
Buy Pelèr Italian Pilsner by Birra Impavida on Maltese →
How to taste a Pilsner
- Temperature: 6–8°C in a clear mug or Stange glass.
- Look: light color, clear, fine and persistent foam.
- Smell: light malt, flowers, herbs, spicy hop touch.
- Taste: balance, dry finish, sleek and fresh mouthfeel.
Discover the selection of craft Pilsner and lager on Maltese → Italian Pilsner, Helles, Lager. Shipping in Italy 24-48h.
