Grätzer
New Belgium Brewing Co.
Story by:
BC Review
Piwo Grodziskie
Collaboration
Colorado
United States
Judges Ratings 85
Aroma: 20 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20
Description
It’s not dead, but Gratzer is definitely a long-buried style from Poland. And together with 3Floyds we have unearthed the best of beer zombies. Full of bold flavors from oak-smoked wheat, and along with Midnight Wheat, this beer presents a pure black pour. A subtle, spicy note from the Polish Lublin hops hides in the aroma, just below the dark and smoky surface. Despite all appearances, the Gratzer is very drinkable at 4.5% ABV, and walks itself with a nice, light body. Cheers to drinking smoky, undead beers. Prost!
Beverage Profile
ABV: 4.50%
IBUs: 30
Served at: (38˚ F)
Hops: Target, Polish, Lublin
Malts: Pale, Midnight Wheat, Oak-Smoked Wheat
Judges Review
By BC Review
Judges Ratings 85
Aroma: 20 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 37 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 16 / 20 / 20
From the start, this is a different beer: near-black in color with a smoky-roasty aroma that evokes dark chocolate and charred hardwood. Leathery and bacon-like aromas add to the curious mix. No notable hop character is present in either the aroma or flavor. The flavor continues the theme of roast malt and adds a subtle ashy smoke character. A layer of dark ripe fruit (fi g/prune/date) gives way to a tart, grainy acidity that lends to a crisp finish. Just a hint of puckery astringency lingers in the aftertaste. This beer is an interesting oddity, with an aggressive roast malt component buttressed by a surprisingly gentle smokiness.
Share options
Share a link that only Beer Connoisseur subscribers can access