The history of Grodzisk beer
Brewing in Greater Poland has a rich history, stretching back several hundred years. The first mention of beer produced in Grodzisk Wielkopolski dates back to the 15th century, although there are sources that establish the origins of Grodzisk brewing over a century earlier. We know for certain that in 1601, the Grodzisk brewers’ guild statute was established, abolishing old laws and establishing new ones. Around this time, Grodzisk beer began to flourish, and it enjoyed esteem both in Greater Poland and beyond.
Grodzisz was eagerly consumed by Silesians, Prussians, and residents of the eastern German states. Soon, more breweries opened in Grodzisk, and the town itself became the unofficial capital of brewing. At its peak, Grodzisk boasted eight thriving production plants, exporting their beer worldwide. They soon joined forces as the United Grodzisk Breweries and survived in this form until the end of World War II.
After the war, the Grodzisk Brewery fell into state hands. During the communist era, Grodziskie beer was a favorite beverage among Greater Poland residents, and veterans of the Polish brewing industry still fondly recall the taste of the version produced at that time. Legally, Grodziskie beer under this name could only be brewed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski, and it was here that the legendary champagne of the beer world was entirely produced for over six decades.
Unfortunately, during the transformation period, the brewery’s then-owner, Lech Browary Wielkopolskie, decided to close the plant for economic reasons. Thus, in 1993, Grodzisk beer production ceased, and its revival had to wait until the craft beer revolution.
The rebirth of Grodziskie
As you know, the Polish craft beer revolution is considered to have begun in 2010, when homebrewers Ziemowit Fałat and Grzegorz Zwierzyna (now Browar Pinta ) brewed their interpretation of the style at the restaurant brewery Grodzka 15 in Lublin. A’la Grodziskie beer is still produced in many versions and names by Browar Pinta , and for many younger beer drinkers, it was their first encounter with the style , albeit in a rather loose interpretation. Attempts to revive Grodziskie were also made abroad, often using the German name for the style, Grätzer . There have also been many interesting collaborations between breweries in Poland and abroad, such as the one between Pinta Barrel Brewing and the Italian Ca’ del Brado .
In 2012, Browar Grodzisk was acquired by Browar Fortuna , which set itself the goal of reviving the historic beer style. After years of trials and collaboration with former brewers, beer enthusiasts, and technologists, the somewhat forgotten style was revived, resulting in the premiere of Piwo z Grodziska . For eight years, this name has been used to market the most faithful representative of the only truly Polish beer style – the original Grodzisz, brewed from traditional ingredients and fermented with a yeast strain used in ancient times. Since, after long efforts by Browar Fortuna, the legal protection of the phrase “piwo grodziskie” (Grodzisk Beer ) will soon be lifted, it will be possible to return to the traditional name, and Piwo z Grodziska will once again become Piwo Grodziskie, including on the label.
Grodziskie beer – style characteristics
According to the BJCP description, Grodziskie is a top-fermented beer (ale), with an extract between 7 and 8 Blg and an alcohol content of 2.5% – 3.3%. It should be characterized by a clear, straw color, high carbonation, and a lush, fluffy head. Thanks to the use of oak – smoked wheat malt, Grodziskie has a noticeable smoky note, though not as intense as typical smoked beers from Bavaria.
The flavor is dominated by a crispness from the wheat and lively carbonation (hence the name “Polish Champagne “), along with a hop note characteristic of the Tomyski variety. There’s also a noticeable herbal bitterness at 20-35 IBU . Alcohol is not noticeable in this style. The beer should be unpasteurized and refermented in the bottle. It was once clarified with isinglass, but current technology eliminates the use of animal-derived ingredients, making Grodzisza a fully vegan beer.
To fully enjoy the unique flavor of Grodzisk beer , it’s best served in a classic, tall glass, which will enhance its refined appearance and lush head. When it comes to food pairings , it pairs perfectly with smoked plums, oscypek cheese, dried fruit, and caramelized bacon . But bacon pairs well with everything…
Grodzisk Beer Festival and Grodzisk Homemade Beer Competition
Every June, the Grodzisk Beer Festival celebrates a grand event called Grodziskie Piwobranie (Grodzisk Piwobranie) . The Grodzisk Homebrew Competition is held alongside it. The winner receives the opportunity to brew their own interpretation of Grodziskie beer at the legendary Grodzisk Brewery . The 2023 Grodzisk Beer Festival will take place on June 17th, and the official premiere will be Grodziskie Piwobranie 2023, a beer with pineapple and rosemary.
The recipe that won last year’s competition was created by home brewer Kacper Specyał . Kacper’s interpretation has 10 billion liqueurs and 4% alcohol, and due to the additives used, it’s less clear than the classic. The combination of the crisp and smoky character of the Grodzisz with the fruity, pineapple bomb, seasoned with the coniferous herbalism of rosemary, will surely satisfy lovers of a creative approach to brewing.
The winning recipes from previous years are:
- Grodziskie with a pear (2022)
- Hoppy Grodzisk (2020)
- Fencing with a hint of thyme (2019)
- Plum with Smoke (2018)
- Fence with coriander and lavender (2017)
- Grodzisz with Citra and Earl Grey Tea (2016)
Other Polish interpretations of Grodziskie beer
Besides the beers brewed in Grodzisk and Pinta’s interpretations, Grodzisk-style beers have been and are brewed by many other craft breweries. These are often experimental versions, packed with intense additives (often American hops), and also stronger. Of course, we can’t forget the iconic pastry grodziskie style, which initially started as a joke and eventually made its way to store shelves thanks to a collaboration between Grodzisk Brewery and the Brazilian Cervejaria Belgard (with mango and lactose), and later in Poland thanks to the Magic Road brewery (with apricots, smoked plums, and lactose).
The top-rated style variations according to Untappd are:
- Browar Markowy and Same Krafty – Hoppy Grodzisz (hopped with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops)
- Pinta Barrel Brewing – Fumes (fermented with wild yeast)
- Browar Maryensztadt – Wild & Funky Everyday – Wild a’la Grodziskie (also with wild yeast)
- Browar Trzech Kumpli – Grodzisk-style beer with grilled lemons and red pepper
- Browar Szałpiw – Grodzisk-style beer
As Browar Golem, we’ve released two versions: Pieprzony Gr*dzisz (with pink peppercorns) and Electric Eye (without additives). So, it’s fitting to conclude with a slogan straight out of a pre-war ad: Drink healthy Grodziskie beer! Back then, it wasn’t illegal yet…
Not just a foodie, but also a self-taught chef who cooks and tests recipes from around the globe. A traveler and connoisseur of great dishes across countries and cultures. Certified beer sensory specialist. Owner of a contract craft brewery renowned for wild, experimental brews. A former homebrewer with deep know-how in brewing techniques and beer styles. Loves pushing flavor boundaries—both on the plate and in the glass. His motto: “Go big or go home.”