I heard about Grodziskie style some time ago, unfortunately I've never been able to try it before, so I was happy as a child when during my last shopping in Beer Market La Louvière I saw this exceptional Polish beer on the shelf.
Grodziskie is the only beer style in the world with a completely Polish origin. Its mini homeland is Grodzisk Wielkopolski, where it has been brewed most probably since the Middle Ages. It is a very bright, above-average light beer with a characteristic aroma of smoked malt, slightly acidic profile and very lively gassing. The bitterness is low, which only increases its refreshing qualities. Not without chamois, it was once called champagne of the north.
The first mention of Grodzisk beer brewed in the area of present-day Wielkopolska dates back to the Middle Ages, and since the 16th century Grodzisk Wielkopolski has been the main centre of its production, it has been brewed under the brands Grätzer, Grodzisz and Grodziskie. "It was the only purely Polish style of top-fermentation beer and its recipe and original production method survived in almost unchanged form until the 20th century'. During the partitions and after the First World War, the beer was highly regarded in Germany. "In the interwar period, Antoni Thum, an Austrian-brewer and brewer of Austrian origin, played a major role in its promotion and monopolised the market for this style of beer'.
In the 20th century it was considered a regional product and was protected by law, and production could only take place in the town of Grodzisk Wielkopolski. Unfortunately when Iron Curtain collapse also collapsed the only brewery which made this beer. It needs more than twenty years to be rebuild, but presented beer is not original recipe.
Grodziskie would have probably joined a long line of historic, “extinct” beers, featuring only in discussions of beer enthusiasts if it wasn’t for 2000s homebrewing move. It was the home beer-makers that revived this style! Grodzisk Wielkopolski, home of Grodziskie, has been holding a “Almost like Grodzisz” contest since 2006, and the awards go to home-brewers who stay truest to the original style, or, create the most interesting variation.
Much more about the extraordinary history of this Polish beer can be read on the website Browar Trzech Kumpli, where you can also read how it happened that Grodzisk beer returned to Polish tables.
Definitely not a beer for a weekend drink of couple litres with friends, it's worth preparing yourself mentally for its tasting. "There's no denying that it's one of those drinks you either love or hate." In my case, great love hasn't broken out yet, but I haven't crossed out that beer either. Its tasting is definitely an unforgettable experience.
Quite abundant and quite durable white foam, bright almost clear colour, delicate foggy. In the aroma you can smell smoked, smoked cheese and delicate herbs. The taste is smoked, slightly acidic profile and very vivid carbonization. After swallowing it leaves a feeling of fullness and a fiery aftertaste.
