Breweries "Visited"

Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Beer 38: Zywiec, The Beer of My Ancestors

While I love a four day work week, starting it on a Tuesday is entirely too confusing.  I spent the entire day remembering that it isn't Monday.  It was like the movie Groundhog Day, only without slapstick comedy and a goofy love story.

Among the many things I did today were two major accomplishments.  First I came up with a plan to plan for the Great Beer-venture of 2012.  Second I learned that I will never utter the phrase "wall busting" party ever again.  It even makes me uncomfortable typing it here.

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Tonight I revisit my roots in a pint glass.  Oh, yes, beer from Poland.  (What did you think I was writing about???)  If you can read Polish, I suggest checking out this link.  If you don't, perhaps you'll want to visit Beer Advocate.  I think I had the Klasyka Smaku and not the 100% Smaku.  Apologies for my lack of Polish skills.  My strengths in that arena are mispronouncing Merry Christmas or insulting you.

Zywiec is a mild pilsner.  I'd call it a Budweiser with funny European character.  Sorry, Polish brethern.  It seemed well balanced -- not too hoppy and not too malty.  It didn't have much of a scent and the flavor was rather...mild.  I freely admit that I drank this one for the laughs.

Until tomorrow, folks.  Cheers!


Sunday, December 25, 2011

Closest thing to church today: Reverend Run

Beer# 15  Żywiec/ Browar Żywiec, Żywiec, Poland
Christmas has always been a fun holiday for me.  I have memories of coming downstairs to find a mountain of presents under the tree, spending time with family and friends, food, and laughter.  Our little tradition in recent years is to not leave the house on Christmas day, with the exception of going out to get Chinese food.  Christmas is hectic with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, and travel, so we decided a few years back to keep one day where we just unwind by ourselves.  So far, we're off to a good start today: Marci made some apple cinnamon pancakes and I poured some Bloody Marys.  Looking forward to the rest of the day filled with beer, movies, General Tso, and relaxation.  On deck: Bridesmaids, Crazy Stupid Love, 30 Minutes or Less, and The Wire/Season 5/disc 1.

The beer today is Żywiec, a light tasting lager from Poland that brought a bit of hops along the way.  Taste of grass or grain but lacks a real punch, although the bottle sports a pretty sweet logo.  Beer giant Heineken now owns a stake in the brewery's operations, which likely helps their distribution.

Is this the best beer I'll drink this year?  No, but I still love it.  Żywiec has created a fond memory of spending Christmas Eve with my extended family (the Polish side, obviously) at my mom's house.  We're occasionally an odd bunch when we all get together, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Hopefully everyone is spending the weekend making lasting memories with their friends and loved ones as well.  Na Zdrowie!

Thing to Think About Today:
I don't even qualify this as a Christmas carol, because I listen to this song all year.  Christmas, as only Run-DMC can do it....

....and to all, a good night.