I was on a night out with my girlfriend on my city break to Kraków, we stopped off at a quirky cafe cocktail bar called Kolba which is famous for its alchemy based cocktails and dry ice creations. After deciding that I missed the beer after one cocktail, I saw beers from a microbrewery called Trzy Korony Browar Nowosądecki. So, of course I had to sample. The beers I selected were Sędek and Krasa. Sędek was a White IPA which means this is a Wheat based India Pale Ale. During this review I will cover the history, the pour of this beer and the taste and aroma. Finally, you will find out my verdict.
A beer created from folklore and alchemy
Trzy Korony Browar Nowosądecki is a craft microbrewery in Nowy Sącz, Poland. Founded in 2013, the brewery became famous for combining regional folklore with modern craft brewing techniques. This brewery ,despite being located in Poland, ensures it follows Reinheitsgebot which for those unaware is a law for traditional German brewing methods. This brewery is known for inspiration, identity and innovation.
Sędek draws its name from famous alchemist Michał Sędziwój who was linked to Nowy Sącz. Legend has it he endeavored to create a philosopher’s stone, journeyed across Europe, and even performed a famous alchemical transmutation at the court of King Sigismund III Vasa and Emperor Rudolf II. Sędek, due to its links to the alchemist, positions itself as the main beer of the brewery and its pride.
Sędek is a wheat IPA which carries a 6% ABV and is brewed using Amarillo, Mosaic, Citra and Perle hops along with the usual ingredients you would expect from a wheat based beer.
A wheat beer pour, with an IPA edge
When I poured this into the glass, I noticed the hazy body with orange highlights which is typical of a wheat based beer. A foamy head developed which left a streak of lacing down the glass. The haze gave it a glowing appearance which is very appealing.
Very typical IPA taste and smell
On the snot, this beer has an immediate burst of citrus and tropical fruit which is from the plethora of different hops used in this beer. What I also noticed was the grapefruit and orange peel taste quite reminiscent of Blue Moon style beer. This is layered over a sweet wheat backbone. It has a herbal smell, from the Perle hops which overall balances everything out.
Once this met my mouth, I was immediately taken by surprise by the bright and juicy taste. The grapefruit and orange dominate the overall taste of the beer. The wheat base of the beer gives the beer a smooth and bready softness with a soothing silky mouthfeel. I feel the only criticism of this beer is that I feel the depth of flavour needs to extend to the edge of the tasting session as I felt the bitterness wasn’t quite there although the dry finish made it still refreshing.
Time for my verdict on the alchemy based beer
Overall, despite the criticism at the end of the taste and aroma section, this was still a really nice beer. I feel the beer has a really unique back story which stands out and is really fitting to the venue I purchased the beer from. I feel the taste is pleasant and is very reminiscent of more hoppy and complex version of Blue Moon. Yes, I know, why am I comparing a microbrewery to a basic American orange based wheat beer however that is what it reminded me of. This is better though let’s not get this wrong. To add to the rating, I feel any beer brewed under Reinheitsgebot is due to be somewhat decent. If I am wrong let me know. Anyways, enough rambling, I rate this White IPA a solid 3.75 out of 5. In the near future I will get around to reviewing Krasa which is a wheat beer.
Where did I purchase this beer from?
I purchased this beer from the Cocktail bar called Kolba which is located just off the main square in Kraków. I can’t remember how much I paid for this but it probably was about £4 or 20 zloty.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Every view and visit is very much appreciated. Feel free to check out my other beer reviews ranging from Lagers, Double IPAs and other crazy beers. Cheers
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