Reviving Poland’s Iconic Grodziskie Ale

Reviving Poland’s Iconic Grodziskie Ale: Brewing with WLP548 Original Grodziskie Yeast Blend

Poland’s brewing tradition is celebrated through the revival of Grodziskie, also known as the “Champagne of Poland,” a distinctive, sessionable smoked wheat ale with a rich history. Now, White Labs has created WLP548 Original Grodziskie Yeast Blend, a limited release strain designed to capture the traditional flavor and character of this historic brew. Let’s dive into the Grodziskie style, the unique WLP548 yeast, and how you can brew your own batch.

What is Grodziskie?

The Grodziskie style dates back centuries to the city of Grodzisk Wielkopolski in Poland. This ale is unique, using 100% oak-smoked wheat malt to deliver a slightly smoky aroma and flavor. With a clean fermentation profile and a hint of pear-like esters, Grodziskie is typically brewed in the 2.5-3.3% ABV range, making it a highly refreshing, sessionable beer. The WLP548 blend captures this traditional character with a resilient fermentation that performs exceptionally well across a broad temperature range.

Introducing WLP548 Original Grodziskie Yeast Blend

White Labs developed the WLP548 yeast by isolating strains from pre-1993 bottles sourced from the original Grodzisk Brewery. Collaborating with scientists in Łódź and Warsaw, the team identified and combined two resilient strains for a clean, authentic Grodziskie character. WLP548’s pear-like esters add depth to the beer’s profile, while its fermentation adaptability allows for a variety of brewing styles.

Grodziskie Recipe (5 Gallons)

Ready to brew? Here’s a traditional recipe to help you create your own Grodziskie at home.

Ingredients

• Grain Bill: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) Oak-Smoked Wheat Malt
• Hops:
  • 0.75 oz (21 g) Lublin or Saaz Hops (60 minutes)
  • 0.25 oz (7 g) Lublin or Saaz Hops (15 minutes)
• Yeast: WLP548 Original Grodziskie Yeast Blend
• Water: Adjust to achieve moderate hardness for authentic Grodziskie character

Specifications

• OG: 1.030-1.035
• FG: 1.006-1.010
• IBUs: 20-30
• ABV: 2.5-3.3%
• SRM: 3-4 (Pale Straw)

Directions

1. Mash the oak-smoked wheat malt at 150°F (65°C) for 60 minutes.
2. Lauter and sparge to collect approximately 6.5 gallons (24.6 L) of wort.
3. Boil for 60 minutes, adding hops as per the schedule.
4. Cool to 60°F (15°C) and pitch WLP548 yeast.
5. Ferment at 54-77°F (12-25°C), keeping in mind that WLP548 is resilient and adaptable to both lower and higher fermentation temperatures.
6. Condition for 2-3 weeks, then bottle or keg.

Tasting Notes

Expect a light-bodied ale with a gentle smoky flavor and a clean, slightly fruity finish. The hint of pear esters provided by the WLP548 yeast enhances the traditional profile of Grodziskie, adding complexity while keeping the beer refreshing.

Why Choose WLP548 for Grodziskie?

WLP548 is ideal for brewers looking to explore traditional European beer styles or add a historical touch to their recipes. This yeast blend’s ability to perform at lower temperatures allows you to experiment with Grodziskie’s distinct character while ensuring a clean, authentic finish. Each batch brewed with WLP548 is a tribute to Poland’s brewing heritage.

Give the Grodziskie style a try, and celebrate the unique flavor and legacy of Polish brewing with WLP548 Original Grodziskie Yeast Blend!