Gdansk is Famous for Beer
Initially, beer was drunk through a straw because it didn’t resemble the beverage we know today at all. It was a cloudy liquid with the consistency of a paste, with chunks of bread floating in it. Not very appetizing, right? Fortunately, these humble beginnings eventually led to the refreshing and flavorful drink we enjoy today.
It’s no surprise that the amber nectar also found its place in Gdansk. Since the city’s founding, locals were allowed to brew beer, and over time specialized professions emerged, such as brewers, beer makers, and later maltsters. The brewing industry gradually became a lucrative business, and soon brewers found themselves on the elite guest list of the Artus Court, which, to put it bluntly, was a luxurious corporation of drinkers. But beer was enjoyed by everyone—the rich, the middle class, and the poor. There was a type of beer for each, all locally brewed in the port city. The most popular and quality beer was simply called “Gdańsk” or Danzigerbier. It was slightly bitter, with a thick foam, and had about 6% alcohol. Next came Tafelbier, a table beer that was weaker, cheaper, and consumed daily. It often appeared in bills for guild parties. There was also Schiffsbier—ship beer—which gained popularity among sailors. The worst of them all was Krolling, considered a second-rate beer with a low alcohol content, mainly consumed by the poor. Finally, there was the crème de la crème of Gdansk’s breweries: Jopenbier. This exclusive, expensive drink was the finest of the beers mentioned. Jopenbier, also known as double beer, was made with a double portion of malt. The beverage was named “beer” somewhat symbolically, as its consistency was closer to syrup. It was consumed in small amounts, more as a tasting experience or used to improve lower-quality beers. Jopenbier had a high alcohol content, between 11 and 14 percent, an intense bitter-sweet taste, and a dark brown color.
Jopenbier held a very high position in the hierarchy of alcoholic beverages. It was known not only in Gdansk but in all the Hanseatic cities, regarded as a treat for the privileged. Fortunately, the brewing culture still flourishes today in the city by the Motława River. Exceptional beers—both new and historically inspired—are brewed by independent, craft breweries, restaurants, and enthusiasts. With just a little search, one can find a whole array of original amber drinks. And for those seeking extraordinary taste experiences, legendary Jopenbier awaits, ready to reveal the craftsmanship of true Gdansk brewing.
It’s no surprise that the amber nectar also found its place in Gdansk. Since the city’s founding, locals were allowed to brew beer, and over time specialized professions emerged, such as brewers, beer makers, and later maltsters. The brewing industry gradually became a lucrative business, and soon brewers found themselves on the elite guest list of the Artus Court, which, to put it bluntly, was a luxurious corporation of drinkers. But beer was enjoyed by everyone—the rich, the middle class, and the poor. There was a type of beer for each, all locally brewed in the port city. The most popular and quality beer was simply called “Gdańsk” or Danzigerbier. It was slightly bitter, with a thick foam, and had about 6% alcohol. Next came Tafelbier, a table beer that was weaker, cheaper, and consumed daily. It often appeared in bills for guild parties. There was also Schiffsbier—ship beer—which gained popularity among sailors. The worst of them all was Krolling, considered a second-rate beer with a low alcohol content, mainly consumed by the poor. Finally, there was the crème de la crème of Gdansk’s breweries: Jopenbier. This exclusive, expensive drink was the finest of the beers mentioned. Jopenbier, also known as double beer, was made with a double portion of malt. The beverage was named “beer” somewhat symbolically, as its consistency was closer to syrup. It was consumed in small amounts, more as a tasting experience or used to improve lower-quality beers. Jopenbier had a high alcohol content, between 11 and 14 percent, an intense bitter-sweet taste, and a dark brown color.
Jopenbier held a very high position in the hierarchy of alcoholic beverages. It was known not only in Gdansk but in all the Hanseatic cities, regarded as a treat for the privileged. Fortunately, the brewing culture still flourishes today in the city by the Motława River. Exceptional beers—both new and historically inspired—are brewed by independent, craft breweries, restaurants, and enthusiasts. With just a little search, one can find a whole array of original amber drinks. And for those seeking extraordinary taste experiences, legendary Jopenbier awaits, ready to reveal the craftsmanship of true Gdansk brewing.