BJCP 27 · Historical Beer
Piwo Grodziskie
A Polish oak-smoked wheat beer: very light, clear, dry, bitter and highly carbonated. A historical style that's being brewed again.
Piwo Grodziskie by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 2.5 – 3.3%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 35 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 6 SRM6–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.028 – 1.032on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.006 – 1.012on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Piwo Grodziskie is like
A very low-alcohol, clear, highly carbonated wheat beer with low to moderate oak smoke and a clean bitterness that's assertive for such a light beer. Refreshing and dry, with no sourness.
Appearance
Yellow to gold, very clear. Tall, long-lasting white head.
Aroma
Low to moderate oak smoke with some wheat grain. Low to moderate spicy or herbal hops. There may be a few subtle fruity esters.
Flavor
Soft oak smoke and wheat grain, with moderate to high bitterness that dominates the finish. Dry and clean, not sour at all.
Mouthfeel
Very light body. High, almost effervescent carbonation.
Where Piwo Grodziskie comes from
It was brewed for centuries in Grodzisk Wielkopolski, in western Poland, and was once exported all over Europe. The last brewery making it closed in the 1990s, and the style was revived in the 21st century.
Ingredients
Oak-smoked wheat malt as the only or nearly only grain. Polish hops such as Lublin, or German noble-type hops. A low-character ale yeast and fairly hard water.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Piwo Grodziskie at home
Use oak-smoked wheat malt and add rice hulls to help with lautering. Ferment with a clean ale yeast at 17-19 °C (63-66 °F), clarify well, because it should be very clear, and carbonate high, around 3.0 volumes or more. The classic mistake is overdoing the smoke so it masks the bitterness.
Food pairing
Polish sausages, pierogi and grilled fish.
Glassware: Teku glass, a tasting glass that works with almost any style.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Piwo Grodziskie?
Between 2.5% and 3.3% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a low strength.
How bitter is Piwo Grodziskie?
It has 20 to 35 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Piwo Grodziskie?
Straw to gold: 3 to 6 SRM (6 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with Piwo Grodziskie?
Polish sausages, pierogi and grilled fish.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Lichtenhainer, Rauchbier and Berliner Weisse.
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Classification and statistics: official Piwo Grodziskie guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.