Grodziskie beer celebration

HISTORY OF GRODZISK BEER

The tradition of brewing Grodziskie beer goes back to the Middle Ages. First mentions date back to 1301. Grodziskie is a completely independent and entirely Polish beer type, recognized widely around the world.

The beer is linked to Grodzisk Wielkopolski (a town in Western Poland). The beer's peak popularity occurred in the 17^th and 18^th century. Grodziski beer statute was passed in 1601 regulating the manufacturing and protecting the high quality of this beer. Breaking the rules  would incur severe penalties. Legend has it that every keg was subject to tasting by the councilmen of Grodzisk, and could only afterwards receive its seal of approval and originality.

Grodziskie is a very light beer, only brewed in Grodzisk Wielkopolski. It is a high fermentation beer, fully based on oakwood smoked wheat malt, which is then subject to re-fermentation in bottles aka conditioning. This means that  yeast still remains in the brew, actively turning sugar into alcohol, increasing the beer's saturation and durability. Yes, this beer does not need to be pasteurized in order to keep its taste for longer. The beer is highly carbonated, which is why it is also commonly known as „Polish champagne”.

There were two existing breweries and one newly opened in Grodzisk Wielkopolski in the 19^th century. In the 1920's and 30's, there were already five operating under the auspices of Zjednoczone Browary Grodziskie (Grodzisk Breweries' Union). The beer was exported to 37 countries, including USA, China and some African countries.

GRODZISKIE PIWOBRANIE
(GRODZISKIE BEER FESTIVAL)
Grodziskie Piwobranie started in 1976 as a brewing industry event. It hosted industry specialist seminars, auctions and markets for beer lovers, competitions and brewery exhibitions. In 1977, for instance, one could taste Żywiec, Okocim and Wrocławski Full, along with a whole bunch of Czech beers – as local news report. The tradition was reinstalled once Browar Grodzisk got reactivated.