06/05/2025
Staff Pick: Polish beer!
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To start: Polish lager is great! Maltier than most Italian and Austrian brews and never so bitter as the German versions can get, Polish lagers strike a beautiful balance that you will absolutely want to try with food. For our super-local Ozone Park recommendation, try pairing a Zywiec with your favorite regular slice on a summer afternoon and it’ll just click, this is beer-flavored beer for when you want to drink a beer (and have some pizza). For the price each one is worth giving a shot because they all do things a tiny bit differently when it comes to a lager, and Poland's regional variations are absolutely worth exploring.
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Something else Poland does well is making mocne (or “strong”) brews, which are essentially higher-ABV lagers, ranging from 6-8%. Unlike their equivalent “malt liquors” in the US, these stronger beers don’t bring the sickly sweetness and boozy burn you might expect from a lager with this much else going on. If your usual BBQ brew is an IPA or even DIPA, then this summer we recommend trying out some mocne options, as you might find they have the taste and strength you like without all the extra body that comes from so much hops.
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Last but certainly not least, Poland makes some truly exceptional Baltic porters. Unlike most British and American porters, these are strong (usually 8-10%) and technically fall under the category of a dark lager due to the fermentation process/yeast used. Bold, roasty, and savory, these are excellent with dinner or as a dessert all on their own, and are a must-try for anybody that usually enjoys a stronger stout. Na zdrowie!
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