Black Flannel Academy

Piwo Grodziskie | Smoak

top-fermented

A low-gravity, bitter, oak-smoked historical central European wheat beer with a clean fermentation profile and no sourness.

Color

3 – 6 SRM

Bitterness

20 – 35 IBU

Alcohol

2.5 – 3.3% ABV

Sweetness

Balance

Moderate-to-strong bitterness persists through completion.

History

Historical Development

Developed as a unique style centuries ago in the Polish city of Grodzisk. Commercial production declined post-WWII, ceasing entirely during the 1990s.

Modern Evolution

Classic characteristics

Appearance

Pale yellow to gold in color with excellent clarity. A tall, billowy, white, tightly-knit head with excellent retention is distinctive.

Aroma

Oak smoke dominates as the primary character, though often subtle. Modest spicy, herbal, or floral hop notes accompany grain whispers. Clean profile with light fruit esters (red apple or pear) acceptable; no acidity present.

Flavor

Moderately-low to medium oak smoke flavor up front which carries into the finish; the smoke can be stronger in flavor than in aroma. Moderate-to-strong bitterness persists through completion. Light grainy wheat and fruit esters remain subdued.

Mouthfeel

Light in body, with a crisp and dry finish. Carbonation is quite high and can add a slight carbonic bite or prickly sensation.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Service notes

BJCP designation

Overall Impression: A low-gravity, bitter, oak-smoked historical central European wheat beer with a clean fermentation profile and no sourness.

Comments: Pronounced pivo grow-JEES-kee-uh; historically called Gratzer in German regions. Traditionally made using a multi-step mash, a long boil of about two hours, and multiple strains of ale yeast.

Style Comparison: Resembles Berliner Weisse in strength but lacks sourness with greater bitterness. Less intensely smoked than Rauchbier yet more bitter than Gose.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.028 – 1.032 | FG: 1.006 – 1.012 | IBUs: 20 – 35 | SRM: 3 – 6 | ABV: 2.5 – 3.3%

Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.

Brewers Association designation

Style comparison

Similar Styles

Resembles Berliner Weisse in strength but lacks sourness with greater bitterness. Less intensely smoked than Rauchbier yet more bitter than Gose.

Ingredients

Grain Bill

Oak-smoked wheat malt with milder smoke intensity than German Rauchmalz. Traditional Polish, Czech, or German hops with sulfate-forward water and clean ale yeast.