König Brauerei - König Pilsener

König Pilsener is a truly authentic German Pilsener that was first sold by that name in 1911. It is brewed with careful attention to traditional methods, but with expert quality control through the use of modern-day technology. For over a century, beer lovers worldwide have been enjoying this approachable, easy-drinking brew which is extremely popular in Germany. We’re proud to bring you this world class example of the style. Expect a pale straw color topped by a brilliant white frothy head. Look for a crisp, clean, classic pilsner aroma showcasing notes of grassy, lemony hops, fresh-brewed grains, a slight kiss of honey, and a very subtle yeasty mustiness in the background, characteristic of many German pilsners. The beer presents a solid bitterness on the palate that is assertive but never sharp, with a lightly floral hop kick and, like the aroma, a finishing note of honey. Ends clean with a refined hoppy finish that our beer panel found floral and lingeringly bitter. One of the easiest beers to pair with food, pilsners go with just about anything you can throw at them. We enjoyed it with grilled halibut served in a creamy dill sauce. Prost!

Some would claim that the Germans have the best beer, the best brewing culture, the best beer fans and the best customs for enjoying beer (you may have never been to Germany, but you've certainly heard of Oktoberfest). And, the folks most likely to make such claims would be the Germans themselves – reflecting a deep pride that the Germans have for a brewing history stretching back over a millennium. Many of their breweries were founded back in the 19th century, which may seems almost ancient by American standards, but is actually quite young in Germany where many operational breweries are hundreds of years old – the oldest dating to the 11th century.

Located in Duisburg, Germany's 11th largest city and home to Europe's largest inland port, the König Brauerei was founded in western Germany by Theodor König in 1858 near the junction of the great Rhine and Ruhr waterways. A savvy businessman, he realized the potential for a regional brewery and the relative ease of exportation via the river port. Today the brewery is best known for their Pilsener beer, a style in which Theodor König intended to specialize. But, at the time the brewery was founded in 1858, this was a risky move; Pilsener was still an emerging, relatively complex style to brew. His instincts soon paid off when pilsener (also spelled ‘pilsner’) became the world's most popular beer style.

Like many breweries in Germany and elsewhere throughout Europe, König did not make it through World War II unscathed. An air raid in 1944 leveled the brewery, but reconstruction began immediately after the war concluded. Within all new, modern brewing equipment, König reopened in 1949 and launched into a period of tremendous growth.

So, at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers was the fortunate convergence of business savvy and luck which eventually led to Germany's "King of Beers" (note the slogan "Das König der Biere" on the label). Now, on to the drinKing! All hail the King!

Visit the Bitburger USA Facebook page today to learn more!