May seem somewhat like a less roasty version of a
Sweet Stout (and lower-gravity, at least for US
sweet stout examples) or a sweet version of a
Dark Mild. Vital Statistics: OG: 1.033 – 1.038 IBUs: 15 – 20 FG: 1.012 – 1.015 SRM: 22 – 35 ABV: 2.8 – 3.6% Commercial Examples: Harveys Bloomsbury Brown Ale, Mann's Brown Ale Tags: session-strength, dark-color, top-fermented, britishisles, historical-style, brown-ale-family, malty, sweet Mouthfeel: Light in body, with a crisp and dry finish. Carbonation is quite high and can add a slight carbonic bite or prickly sensation. No alcohol warmth. Comments: Pronounced in English as “pivo grow-JEES-keeuh” (meaning: Grodzisk beer). Known as Grätzer (pronounced “GRATE-sir”) in German-speaking countries, and in some beer literature. Traditionally made using a multi-step mash, a long boil (~2 hours), and multiple strains of ale yeast. The beer is never filtered but Isinglass is used to clarify before bottle conditioning. Traditionally served in tall conical glassware to accommodate the vigorous foam stand. History: Developed as a unique style centuries ago in the Polish city of Grodzisk (known as Grätz when ruled by Prussia and Germany). Its fame and popularity rapidly extended to other parts of the world in the late 19th and early 20th century. Regular commercial production declined after WWII and ceased in the 1990s. This style description describes the traditional version during its period of greatest popularity. Characteristic Ingredients: Oak-smoked wheat malt, which has a less intense smoke character than German Rauchmalz, and a drier, crisper, leaner quality – a smoky bacon or ham flavor is inappropriate. Traditional Polish, Czech or German hops. Moderate hardness sulfate water. Clean, attenuative ale yeast; Weizen yeast inappropriate. Style Comparison: Similar in strength to a
Berliner Weisse, but never sour and much more bitter. Has a smoked character but less intense than in a
Rauchbier. Lower gravity than a
Lichtenhainer, but more bitter and not sour. More bitter than a
Gose, but no salt and spices. Vital Statistics: OG: 1.028 – 1.032 IBUs: 20 – 35 FG: 1.006 – 1.012 SRM: 3 – 6 ABV: 2.5 – 3.3% Commercial Examples: Live Oak Grodziskie Tags: session-strength, pale-color, top-fermented, centraleurope, historical-style, wheat-beer-family, bitter, smoke