Beer has a long tradition in Poland and is deeply rooted in the local culture. Although vodka is often considered the Polish national alcoholic beverage, beer holds a special place in the hearts of Poles. According to statistics, beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the country.
The most common beer styles in Poland are lagers, wheat beers, and dark beers like the Baltic porter. A Polish specialty is Grodziskie beer. Many Polish beers have a higher alcohol content, often around 5.5% to 6.5%.
Beer in Poland
History of Polish Brewing
The first mentions of brewing beer in the area of present-day Poland date back to the 10th century. Originally, beer was brewed in monasteries and gradually spread among the nobility and townspeople. Over the centuries, Polish brewing evolved and improved. A significant milestone was in 1918 when Poland gained independence and new breweries began to emerge. During World War II, most Polish breweries were destroyed or damaged. After the war, they were nationalized and production was centralized. The situation changed after the fall of communism in 1989, when the market opened up, and new breweries, including small craft breweries, began to appear.
Most Famous Polish Breweries and Brands
The Polish beer market is fairly concentrated, dominated by three large brewing groups: Kompania Piwowarska, Grupa Żywiec, and Carlsberg Polska. Each of them has several well-known Polish beer brands in its portfolio.
Kompania Piwowarska
Kompania Piwowarska is the largest beer producer in Poland. Its most popular brands include Tyskie, Lech, Żubr, and Dębowe Mocne. Tyskie is a typical Polish beer with a history dating back to the 17th century. It is characterized by a golden color, rich foam, and a balanced taste with a mild bitterness. Lech is a modern beer brand that offers various beer specialties, such as Lech Premium or Lech Shandy. Dębowe Mocne is a strong dark beer with a distinctive flavor and an alcohol content of around 7%.
Grupa Żywiec
Grupa Żywiec is the second-largest player in the Polish beer market. The flagship of the group is Żywiec beer, named after the town where it has been brewed since 1856. Żywiec is a premium beer with a full flavor and mild bitterness. Other well-known brands of the group include Warka and Tatra.
Carlsberg Polska
Carlsberg Polska, part of the Danish brewing group Carlsberg, owns several Polish breweries and brands. Among the most popular are Okocim, Harnaś, and Kasztelan. Okocim is a traditional Polish beer with a history dating back to 1845. Harnaś is a favorite beer in southern Poland, particularly in the Tatra region. Kasztelan is a regional beer brand originating from the town of Sierpc.
Small Craft Breweries
In addition to large breweries, there are also many smaller craft breweries in Poland, focusing on producing special and unusual beers. Some of my favorites include AleBrowar, Pinta, and Browar Stu Mostów. These beers may be less well-known, but they are definitely worth trying.
Typical Polish Beer Styles
Two unique beer styles originate in Poland – Baltic porter and Grodziskie.
Baltic Porter
Baltic porter is a strong dark beer with a pronounced malt and caramel flavor. It often features notes of dried fruits like plums or raisins, as well as cherries or bread. Compared to other Polish beers, Baltic porter has a higher alcohol content.
Grodziskie
Grodziskie, on the other hand, is a pale beer made from a specific wheat malt. This malt is dried over oak wood smoke, giving the beer a unique taste and aroma. Grodziskie is also known for its high carbonation. Thanks to its originality, Grodziskie has gained popularity even outside Poland.
My Opinion on Polish Beers
Czechs may associate Polish beers only with cheap beers in Lidl or other discount chains. But if you reach for beers from craft breweries while traveling through Poland, you won’t be disappointed. I am personally very glad that I had the chance to try a beer that is unlike any other I’ve tasted so far: Polish Grodziskie. I’m also happy to have tried beers like Baltic porter. I consider the Belgian blond from the small Szreniawa brewery truly top-notch, and I also enjoyed the APA from the Grodzisk brewery.
Polish craft beers are definitely worth tasting.
Cheers!
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