The Warsaw Beer Festival in Poland is a must-visit event for every craft beer enthusiast. From 24 to 26 May 2018, beer lovers will gather at the extraordinary Legia Municipal Stadium for an unforgettable experience. As with every edition, it’s impossible to taste everything, so preparation is key to making the most of the breweries you simply can’t miss. Here’s what you need to know.
Preparation
The official Warsaw Beer Festival website provides all the essential information. Tickets are available for just 15 zlotys (around €3.56). Once there, you’ll also need to purchase your official tasting glass for about €7, which you’ll use throughout the event. Prices remain reasonable, and the generous Polish pours make it even more worthwhile—many tastings cost just €2 for nearly 50 cl of beer. With so many beers available, pacing yourself is essential. Carefully selecting your tastings will ensure you enjoy the festival without overdoing it.
The Selection
This year’s lineup is exceptional. While renowned breweries like Omnipollo, Lervig, and Evil Twin return, the spotlight will be on Founders Brewing. Known worldwide for legendary creations like the iconic KBS, Founders is considered among the best breweries globally—an incredible opportunity to enjoy their beers fresh from the tap without traveling to Michigan. Belgian brewery Boon will also be present with its famous gueuzes, alongside more than fifty Polish breweries showcasing the diversity of the country’s craft scene. From Docteur Brew to Kingpin with its Mother Venus, and Piwa, festivalgoers will enjoy a nationwide beer journey in a single venue.
Our advice: resist the temptation to start with the first stand you see. Instead, build your tasting route by beer styles. Begin with lighter lagers, move on to sours and ales, and save the bold, high-ABV imperial stouts for last. This way, your palate won’t be overwhelmed too soon, allowing you to truly appreciate the range of flavors on offer.
The Third Half
Once your glass is in hand, it’s time to relax and enjoy. The festival stands are open and welcoming, offering plenty of opportunities to sample and chat. Sitting in the stadium with a beer in hand is an experience in itself—watching the atmosphere unfold, sometimes even with a few daring strikers invading the field while security rushes after them, all while savoring some of the finest beers Poland and the world have to offer.
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