Browar Grodzisk

Browar Grodzisk Piwo z Grodziskie 330ml

Piwo z Grodziskie.

In the grand tapestry of brewing, few threads are as unique and storied as the Grodziskie style. Hailing from the small town of Grodzisk Wielkopolski in Poland, this is a beer with a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages, often earning it the nickname "Polish Champagne" for its exceptional brilliance and high carbonation. After a period of decline that nearly led to its extinction, the style has been revived by Browar Grodzisk, a brewery that has returned to its roots to honor this singular tradition.

Piwo z Grodziskie is a beer that expertly balances delicacy with complexity. It is brewed exclusively with oak-smoked wheat malt, which gives it a distinct, yet gentle, smoky character. Unlike the bolder, almost meaty smoke of a German rauchbier, the Grodziskie’s smoke is subtle, dry, and refined. It pours a pale, hazy gold with a stunning, tall head of white foam. The aroma is a beautiful fusion of the delicate smoke and a spicy, herbal note from traditional Polish hops.

On the palate, it is a revelation of crispness and flavor. The low alcohol content makes it incredibly light-bodied and sessionable, while the high carbonation gives it a lively, prickly effervescence. This drinkability is a perfect foil for the layered flavors of subtle smoke, light grain, and a firm, clean bitterness that lingers on the finish. Piwo z Grodziskie is more than just a beer; it is a sip of history, a testament to a unique Polish style, and a true original that stands proudly apart from the rest.

This beer was imported into the US a decade ago but sadly didn’t garner the attention it needed to stay the course. My friends and colleagues often reminded me that the beer’s popularity could not be measured by my adoration alone. Fortunately, a few stateside breweries are now giving the style a go: Dovetail Brewery (IL), Live Oak Brewing (TX), Notch Brewing (MA), Schilling Beer Co (NH), Tree House Brewing (MA), and Wallenpaupack Brewing (PA).