12 Must-Try Polish Beers

Poland has a rich beer tradition that dates back centuries, offering a diverse range of brews that reflect the country’s agricultural heritage and brewing expertise. Known for its hearty lagers and distinct flavor profiles, Polish beers are often enjoyed with friends, at social gatherings, playing Czółko — the Polish version of the game “heads-up” — or paired with the country’s local cuisine. While Poland may be best known for its vodka, its beer scene is just as exciting and diverse, with numerous breweries producing a variety of styles, from classic lagers to rich stouts and unique regional specialties. Polish beers are typically well-balanced, with an emphasis on malt and hops, delivering a crisp and satisfying taste that appeals to both seasoned beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

With my background in the beverage industry and a passion for global brews, I’ll guide you through 12 must-try Polish beers. These selections range from well-established favorites to newer craft beers that showcase the full diversity of Polish brewing. Whether you’re looking for a light lager to pair with a summer barbecue or a darker brew to enjoy on a cold evening, Poland offers something for everyone. By exploring these beers, you’ll not only experience the flavors of Poland’s beer landscape, but also gain insight into the cultural significance of each brew.

Žywiec is one of the most iconic Polish beer brands, with a history dating back to 1856. Brewed in the southern town of Żywiec, it has become a beloved staple of Polish beer culture. This pale lager is known for its clear golden color and offers a crisp malt flavor with a subtle hop bitterness. The smooth finish and moderate carbonation make it an easy-to-drink and refreshing choice for various occasions. The Żywiec Brewery, established by Archduke Friedrich Habsburg in the mid-19th century, is located in the Żywiec Valley, a region with a brewing tradition originating during the Middle Ages. Over time, the brewery has gained a dedicated following both in Poland and internationally, thanks to its focus on quality and consistency. Żywiec began exporting its beer in the early 20th century, significantly expanding its reach.

Despite economic challenges during World War II and the post-war period, the brewery survived and emerged as one of Europe’s most modern beer production facilities in the 1990s. Żywiec Lager, considered one of Poland’s best pilsners, has an alcohol content of 5.6% and has earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the World Beer Championships. The beer’s label features traditional Polish folk dancers and has become as iconic as the brew itself. This design has remained unchanged for decades, adding to the brand’s timeless appeal.

Tyskie Gronie is one of Poland’s most beloved beers, brewed by the Tyskie Brewery, which has been producing beer since 1629. This light lager with a long-standing history is recognized for its clean, crisp taste and balanced profile. Tyskie Gronie is a classic example of a Polish pilsner, with a golden hue and a modest hop bitterness that complements the subtle malt sweetness. The beer’s smooth drinkability makes it a versatile choice, perfect for a range of occasions. Its refreshing finish pairs well with various foods, so it’s a go-to beer for everything from hearty Polish sausages to grilled meats, salads, and creamy cheeses.

Tyskie Gronie is a bottom-fermented beer with an alcohol content of 5.5%. The golden beer features a beautiful white head and a flavor profile that makes it easy to sip. At a drinking temperature of around 42 degrees Fahrenheit, Tyskie Gronie delivers a crisp, refreshing experience solo or with food. With its rich history and consistent quality, Tyskie Gronie remains a key player in the world of Polish beer that’s ideal for newcomers looking to explore Polish lagers, as well as seasoned beer enthusiasts who appreciate its reliable and pleasant flavor.

Okocim O.K. is a standout beer from the well-established Okocim Brewery, known for its diverse range of brews. This pale lager has a slightly higher alcohol content compared to typical Polish lagers, delivering a bolder, more robust taste, and catering to those who enjoy a fuller-bodied lager that’s satisfying without being overwhelming. Its malt-forward flavor is balanced by a subtle hop bitterness, giving the beer a smooth, rich character. The taste profile offers a more substantial drinking experience than lighter lagers, which is a great option for those who enjoy a beer with a bit more complexity.

The beer’s smooth finish also makes it a great pairing for rich, flavorful foods like grilled meats, hearty stews, or spicy dishes. Okocim O.K. is versatile, complementing barbecue, Italian cuisine, and earthy cheeses, which makes it an excellent choice for various occasions. With its balance of malt and hops, Okocim O.K. offers a satisfying drinking experience that stands out in the world of Polish lagers. Though it may not be as widely recognized outside of Poland, it’s a gem worth exploring for anyone interested in the depth of Polish brewing traditions.

Lech Premium is a well-loved Polish beer brewed by Kompania Piwowarska. This pale lager is known for its clean and crisp character, offering a well-balanced combination of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness. With a light body and a smooth finish, Lech Premium is an excellent choice for those seeking a refreshing beer that isn’t too bold or overwhelming. Although it is more mainstream compared to some of Poland’s niche brews, Lech Premium has earned its place as a reliable, go-to lager.

One of the standout qualities of Lech Premium is its refined bitterness, which adds depth without overpowering the palate. It pours with a thick white head that lingers, maintaining its bouquet long after opening the bottle. Lech Premium is especially popular during the summer months, thanks to its easy-drinking nature and refreshing qualities. With an alcohol content of 5.2%, it strikes a balance between lightness and flavor, making it ideal for those looking for an accessible lager that pairs well with food, especially barbecue, pork, and fish. Overall, Lech Premium delivers a satisfying drinking experience, cementing it as a favorite for those who appreciate a quality lager that’s both refreshing and versatile.

Książęce Ciemne Łagodne, a dark mild beer from the Książęce brewery, offers a well-balanced and approachable alternative to heavier dark beers like porters and stouts. With an alcohol content of 4.1%, it is a medium-bodied beer that combines maltiness with a gentle bitterness, making it ideal for those seeking a subtler dark beer experience. The flavor profile includes notes of caramel, toffee, and roasted malt, with a smooth finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The beer is brewed with a mix of barley malts, including Munich, pilsner, caramel, and roasted malts. The result is a complex, yet delicate taste that balances sweet and roasted flavors without being overly rich or heavy.

Książęce Ciemne Łagodne is typically served in a snifter glass, which allows drinkers to fully appreciate its bouquet. The shape of the glass helps preserve the beer’s refreshing qualities while also concentrating its deep caramel and toffee aromas. The optimal serving temperature is between 41 and 43 degrees Fahrenheit, and pouring the beer slowly helps release its distinctive aromas. 

Historically, dark mild beers like Książęce Ciemne Łagodne trace their roots to Thuringia and Brandenburg in Germany, with mentions of the style dating back to 1390. Known in some regions as schwarzbier (black beer), it is brewed with roasted malts that impart a characteristic flavor of chocolate and coffee. The combination of dark malts and a moderate alcohol level makes this beer a perfect choice for those looking for a flavorful option that is not overpowering.

Warka Radler is a popular choice for anyone looking for a refreshing, low-alcohol or alcohol-free beverage. With options like Warka Radler 0.0%, this drink combines the crispness of Warka lager with the tangy flavors of lemonade, creating a light, fruity option perfect for warm weather. Its slightly cloudy appearance comes from the addition of lemon juice, and the balance of sweetness and tartness makes it an appealing choice for those seeking something less bitter than traditional beer.

The Warka Radler range includes several fruity flavors, such as classic lemon, grapefruit with orange, apple with mint, and dark lemon, which is brewed with dark beer for a unique twist. For those seeking something seasonal, Warka Radler also introduces limited-time flavors, like rhubarb with strawberry and pineapple with citrus, available until stocks run out. Warka Radler has become one of Poland’s top non-alcoholic beer options, responding to the growing demand for healthier lifestyle choices. The popularity of non-alcoholic beers has surged in recent years, and Warka Radler’s packaging emphasizes its natural, fruity taste.

Perła Chmielowa is a lager brewed by the Perła Brewery, notable for its distinct hop character. Made with high-quality hops from Lublin, this beer offers a more pronounced hop bitterness than many other Polish lagers and a unique taste. The golden color and crisp texture combine with a noticeable bitterness, adding depth to the flavor. With an alcohol content of 6.0%, it provides a balance of refreshment and complexity. The lager is brewed using a centuries-old recipe, which emphasizes the hop-forward taste that has become a hallmark of Perła Chmielowa. The aromatic hops lend a strong fragrance, while the bitterness remains clean and sharp without being overpowering.

The bitterness in particular complements rich flavors, making it a versatile option for different types of cuisine. The beer’s smooth texture and moderate carbonation ensure it is easily drinkable while maintaining its distinctive character. This lager stands out as a representation of Polish brewing traditions, with a focus on local ingredients. Ultimately, Perła Chmielowa caters to those who enjoy beers with a more pronounced hop profile.

Ciechan Miodowe is a honey-infused beer that blends the crisp characteristics of a lager with the natural sweetness of honey, offering a refreshing twist on traditional Polish beers. This beverage stands out for its balanced flavor, where the honey gently enhances the malt and hops without overshadowing them. The result is a smooth, sweet beer with a light body, making it an appealing choice for those seeking something different from a standard lager. 

With an alcohol content of 5.7%, Ciechan Miodowe maintains a mild sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of foods. Its subtle honey flavor is complemented by a light hop bitterness and a hint of lime, providing a unique combination that works especially well with spicy dishes or desserts. Its light carbonation and smooth finish make it a great option for sipping on warm days, offering a refreshing experience without being too heavy.

While honey beers like Ciechan Miodowe are not as common as pale lagers, they remain a notable part of Poland’s brewing tradition. Miodowe, the Polish version of braggot, combines beer and mead, a style with roots dating back to medieval Europe. Though braggot’s popularity has waned, miodowe has found a place in Poland, where it’s produced by regional breweries that continue to preserve this unique style. Ciechan Miodowe provides an excellent introduction to the world of honey beers, offering a flavorful alternative to standard lagers.

Kormoran Jasny is a pale lager that embodies the essence of traditional Polish brewing. This classic pilsner features a balanced combination of malt sweetness and a light hop bitterness, providing a taste that is crisp and refreshing without overwhelming the senses. With an alcohol content of 5.2%, Kormoran Jasny is a well-rounded beer produced using traditional brewing methods, offering a modern, approachable taste. The beer’s golden color, complemented by a moderate carbonation, contributes to its inviting appearance. The use of five varieties of hops enhances the beer’s aroma and taste, providing a mild yet distinct complexity. 

This smooth and clean lager offers a perfect harmony between its malt-forward sweetness and the subtle bitterness from the hops, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing beer. Kormoran Jasny is versatile enough to pair with a range of dishes, from classic Polish fare like pierogi and grilled sausages to lighter options like salads and seafood. Its balanced flavor profile allows it to be enjoyed on its own or with food, making it ideal for various occasions, especially in warmer weather.

Żywiec Porter, made by the same brewery that produces Żywiec Lager, is a distinctive, rich beer known for its bold flavors and deep character. Brewed using a traditional recipe dating back to 1881, it combines Munich malt with special caramel and roasted malts, creating a dark beer with complex notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. With a robust body and a smooth, slightly sweet finish, Żywiec Porter is a great option for those who appreciate full-flavored, dark beers.

At 9.5% alcohol content, it stands as a stronger beer compared to many other Polish brews, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more intense beer experience. The beer’s dark hue, attributed to the use of four types of malt, adds to its appeal. It is a standout in the porter style, which is less common in Poland than the more popular lagers, but Żywiec Porter delivers a truly satisfying drinking experience. This beer pairs beautifully with hearty meals like stews and roasted meats, as well as rich desserts such as chocolate cake, as its bold flavors complement these dishes without being overwhelming.

Książęce Czerwony, brewed by the same Książęce Brewery responsible for the Książęce Ciemne Łagodne, is a standout amber lager that brings a rich and malty flavor profile to the table. This medium-bodied beer is characterized by its deep amber color and smooth texture, making it a great choice for colder weather or hearty meals. The beer delivers notes of caramel, toffee, and roasted malt, with a slight hop bitterness that enhances its dry finish.

Inspired by the Viennese lager tradition, Książęce Czerwony incorporates pilsner and caramel malts, which contribute to its unique amber hue and creamy head. The pilsner malt provides a light foundation, while the caramel malt adds depth, delivering aromas of toasted bread, caramel, and roasted nuts. The bitterness from the hops balances these malt-forward flavors and gives the beer its crisp, dry character. With an alcohol content of 4.9%, this lager offers a satisfying yet moderate strength.

Książęce Czerwony’s Vienna lager roots trace back to mid-19th-century Austria, where brewer Anton Dreher developed the style by experimenting with caramelized malts. Known as the “King of Beer,” Dreher’s innovation led to the creation of a beer with a distinct copper color and a long maturation process. The style fell out of favor in the early 20th century but has made a resurgence in recent years thanks to the craft beer movement. Best enjoyed at 45 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, this lager offers a refreshing departure from lighter Polish beers, providing a deeper and more flavorful drinking experience.

Książęce IPA, brewed by the same Książęce Brewery, is a vibrant American-style IPA that showcases a bold and aromatic profile. This top-fermented beer stands out with its intense hoppy character, achieved through a blend of six hop varieties: Citra, Mosaic, Cascade, Centennial, Azacca, and Pekko. These hops deliver a complex bouquet of citrus, ripe pineapple, mango, and subtle tea notes balanced by a dry, lingering bitterness. The use of pale ale and light pilsner barley malts provides a crisp foundation that allows the hops to take center stage. 

The beer pours with a thick white head that enhances its aromatic profile, making each sip as fragrant as it is flavorful. Best served at 48 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a flared shaker glass, this presentation highlights the beer’s lively aroma and maintains its ideal temperature. Inspired by the American interpretation of the traditional English IPA, Książęce IPA has a bold and fruity character and offers a modern twist on a classic style, making it a must-try for hop enthusiasts.