Beerfest Be Not Held

The Polish beer market: it's dominated by native brands such as Zywiec, Tyskie, Lech, Okocim and Warka. Cheaper brands such as Krolewskie and Tatra also are on tap. There's no real shortage of brand variety here; there's only one problem: they all pretty much suck.

If you're a fan of light, tasteless beer, Poland has plenty to offer. From the pathetically mild Lech to the non-taste-bud-stimulating Tyskie, Poland has it all. The most widely available beers run the gamut from light lager to pilsner; much like Busch, Miller, Coors, and the much-sneered at, Budweiser.

I find it odd that here they are quick to condemn Budweiser (and all other American beers, which I also condemn. Sam Adams and Harpoon really are the best I've had so far.) But reality is harsh and Zywiec is just as bad as Budweiser; Tyskie is only slightly better, but it's still just a slightly-chilled glass of banality. Until I find a properly brewed ale or stout, I'm enjoying the good-neighborly German Paulaner.

Note: These breweries most certainly brew other types of beer, it's just that I haven't procured them yet and they don't seem to be very popular.