The Most Comprehensive Publication About the History of Plzensky Prazdroj Is Coming Out

„I am sure the book not only tells the interesting story of the history of our brewery and the life of our employees, but it will also become a source of information about wider social relations during the past two centuries. It is an ideal Christmas present, not just for beer lovers,“ Vladimír Jurina of Plzeňsky Prazdroj, one of the authors said.

Authors of the book, Vladimír Jurina, Pilsen reporter Josef Kejha, and historian Jiří Janouškovec, were inspired by earlier published books about the history of Pilsen Brewery that were available in archives, as well as by historical writings. The new book therefore offers many interesting facts as well as lesser known facts about Plzeňsky Prazdroj and Pilsner Urquell beer, such as details and reasons behind the establishing of the brewery; and information on unpublished events that have taken place since 1948.

The book successfully introduces historical facts as well as creating an atmosphere and context for every given period. The facts in the book are framed by political events that influenced not only the history of the brewery, but also the lives of the brewery’s employees and Pilsen citizens. Individual chapters describe individual periods of the brewery’s history, including: its creation in 1842, its rise to world fame with the use of groundbreaking inventions during the second half of the 19th century, the stagnation during the World Wars, and the atmosphere of the socialistic era. The last chapter concludes with a description of events after 1989 and big investments into the development of Plzeňsky Prazdroj beer brands – the beer brand and service quality setting a greater precedence than at any other point in the brewery’s history.

Actor and script writer Zdeněk Svěrák, whose affiliations with the brewery include his work for his Theater of Jara Cimrman and Center Umbrella, introduced the book at the book introduction party. While storing messages from famous personalities for future generations within the historic cellars of the brewery in 2007, Zdeněk Svěrák contributed with the following message:

„Dear distant descendants. I am interested if:
a) You still speak Czech in Czech lands in this distant future
b) If there are still pretty girls as in our times
c) If you have managed to invent an even better beer “

The book will be available for purchase in Pilsner Urquell Gallerz in Prague, in the Plzeňsky Prazdroj e–shop, and in all major bookstores. The book has been published by NAVA, it has 245 pages, and the recommended prize is 398,- CZK (about 17.00 USD).

For more information:
Vladimír Jurina
Plzeňský Prazdroj
tel.: +420724 617 886

Notes for editors:

• The story of the beer legend Pilsner Urquell in Prague: The unique gift presented to itself and to the public by Pilsner Urquell to mark its 170th anniversary. The new Pilsner Urquell Gallery – Experience Shop was opened at U Lužického semináře 11 in Prague at Mala Strana. The place combines interactive multimedia exposition of the story of the original Pilsner Urquell brand, brand store, and representative space of Plzeňsky Prazdroj. Pilsner Urquell Gallery is opened daily. With the purchase of 200,- CZK there is free entrance to the exhibition with beer tasting. Otherwise, the ebrance ids 30,- CZK.
• With the total sale of 9.9 million hectoliters in 2011 (including sales abroad), and the export into more than 50 countries around the world, Plzeňský Prazdroj,Inc. is the foremost beer producer in the region and the biggest exporter of Czech beer.
• Plzeňský Prazdroj, Inc. is a member of SABMiller plc. Pilsner Urquell is the international flagship of SABMiller brand portfolio.
• SABMiller plc is one of the biggest world beer producing companies with beer producing activities and distribution in more than 60 countries around the world across 6 continents. SABMiller group includes brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Miller Genuine Draft, Grolsch, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, and many other regional brands.

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