Competition categories

GRODZISK BEER

HISTORY

A unique style that developed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski, originating directly from the medieval tradition of brewing wheat beers in Poland. Grodziskie was famous in the country before the era of industrialisation, and in the 19th century and the early 20th century, its fame and popularity quickly spread abroad as well. It is a pale, light wheat beer made with smoked malt. A detailed study of the style is provided at this link.

RAW MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY:

The most appropriate would be to use 100% wheat malt gently smoked with oak wood smoke, but a combination of beech-smoked malts, wheat malt and pilsner malt also gives good results. It is a path always to be followed in the selection of malts so as to obtain a beer with a pronounced wheat character and a delicate smoked note. Polish, Czech and German varieties of hops to be used are Lubelski, Saaz, Hallertauer Mittelfrüh or Tettnanger. Top-fermenting yeast with a reasonably clean profile, not producing a lot of esters or phenols. Infusion mashing with a few breaks. Clarified with finings and bottle conditioned with yeast addition.

THE AROMA

The primary characteristic of the style is a low to medium level smoky aroma, with a note of malt  smoked with oak and/or beech. Noble varieties of aromatic hops (herbal, floral) at a low to medium level. At most, they should be equal to or less than smoky aromas. Low-level, cereal wheat aromas. Fruit esters (red apples, pears) from undetectable to low. Banana and clove notes, typical of Bavarian wheat beers, are unacceptable. No diacetyl. Balance on the side of smoky maltiness.

THE APPEARANCE

The colour of the beer is straw, perfectly clear, with distinct effervescence. A white head, very abundant, fine, dense and persistent.

THE FLAVOUR

Low to medium aftertastes of mild oak and/or beech wood smokiness. Low-level wheat malt aftertastes. Low-level hop flavours from noble varieties (herbal, floral). Fruit esters (red apples, pears) from undetectable to low. Finish should be dry but not tart. Overall beer balance is dry, shifting more towards bitterness, crisp.

THE BITTERNESS

Medium-low to medium-high level. Short, coming from the hops. Must not have a pinching, baking or astringent character.

THE MOUTH FEEL

Low to medium-low richness. Carbonation very high, effervescent, clearly perceptible on the tongue.

GENERAL IMPRESSION

A light, refreshing and very drinkable wheat beer with a smoky character. Light and clear.

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES:

• Piwo Grodziskie / Grodzisk Brewery,
• a’la Grodziskie / Pinta
• Light Poland / Birra Amiata
• Piwo w stylu grodziskie / Browar Trzech Kumpli