Poznan Day 2 – The Lone Supper

It is somewhat frustrating in the days of Satellite TV when one finds not a single English speaking channel, so it was in Apartment Duo. Still, The Hector was busy as ever, there is always a Blog or twenty to write.

A day to myself in Poznan, a chance to revisit some favourite places and maybe track down some new. Hector and Marg were in Poznan last October with Steve and Louise, nothing was written, and so I have a wealth of knowledge already, but more importantly, enough photos to post the embedded Pages in the above Dropdown Banner. By the end of this Trip I should have a comprehensive coverage of this City, in time for another visit in October.

The Tram Map described Route 8 which would take me from the Sala Ziemi stop outside the Train Station to the far end of the Malta Lake. This still left about a 1km walk to the Lake itself, however, time and effort was not an issue.

The Curry at Taj India was worth the effort. That the service was a bit slow again did not matter, I had all day. This Polska Trip was originally conceived to be Monday to Friday in Poznan with The Rickmeister and Stewart. Only in the last week did The Man from Bradford deign to inform me that Monday meant a 23.00 arrival, I’ll see them tomorrow.

Chmielnik was spotted in passing yesterday when the mission was Rowing Jack. Today some new Piwa had to be sampled. The desired Bier Style was described, the Chap serving suggested Tap 4 – Kryz Poludnia (5.%) is a NZPA (Browar Reden, Polska). Southern Cross – as it translates was a worthy first Piwa of the day, whilst – in the style – it did not quite give the – Wow – as one hoped. This is how high the bar is set with Polish Craft Bier. Other Sources have this as an APA, however this is certainly made with NZ Hops. More please.

The wi-fi permitted further write-ups, though who knows how long it will take to write up this week, The India Trip is such a major task. Chmielnik is a very pleasant place to sit, the view to the garden reminds that Piwna Stopa is across the way, but does not open until 16.00. The afternoon is young, Dom Piwa should open around then too. 16Zl is a couple of Zloty more than one pays elsewhere for Piwa.

Dom Piwa impressed last October when I first visited, I shall be coming here on every Trip to Poznan, how many more this year? 10 Hops (5.7%) is an APA by Birbant, Polska. I have previously enjoyed their White AIPA (6.6%) whose Cascade Hops were seriously in the face. I took my Piwa upstairs to one of the two empty rooms above. It was still early for those who work. 10 Hops is Amber-Gold and did the job, though the name suggested it could have been more. But then, Six Hops by Dark Star (Partridge Green, West Sussex) does not IMHO live up to its number rating either.

And so to Piwna Stopa.

Piwna Stopa is the standout venue in Poznan. The table at the top left of the room is where I have sat on nearly every visit, why change now?

The Board looked the same as yesterday, time to gamble and try something new once more. I have never tried a Bier by Kraftwerk, Polska, I had to, if only so that I could text Howard and tell him how much I dislike Krafterk. Citrinitas is listed elsewhere at 5.7%, The Board clearly shows 6.5%, whose error? Smoked Chili – was the given description, indeed, there was enough to notice but this was at the expense of the Hops. I would have this again, but not when my Favourite Piwa is staring down at me.

Hector was here until the bladder insisted I move. The Lone Supper cannot leave a table with all the electronics on display, or can he? This is Polska, in the many visits, there has been no sense of trouble, discomfort, crime. Maybe next time I’ll risk leaving my worldy goods unguarded.

Rowing Jack (6.2%) (Ale Browar, Polska) is Hector’s Favourite Tipple, the reason for being here. Simcoe, Chinook, Citra, Cascade, and Palisade Hops all feature. This is the most cheek-sucking experience one has encountered. The IBU is 70, other Biers are higher, but nothing else does it for me, so much. Bier Heaven.

I watched the place fill up, people of all ages, all here to appreciate Bier. There is an acceptable range of Bottled Cider too, it was at Piwna Stopa that Marg discovered Cider last October. Finally, I had to go.

Stary Rynek was not too busy this Monday evening, people were heading to the Bars that The Hector would never consider, cheap Eurofizz on sale. Crossing to the south east corner I went up the hill towards 27 Grudnia. Minesterstwo Browaru was where I had my first Piwa in Poznan, guess. Having checked The Board yesterday, I though it time to try something Bottled. Doctor Brew, Polska have impressed in the years of visiting Polska. Their Summer Ale (4.2%) is quite a step down from 6.2%, a challenge. Again, US Hops to the fore, always refreshing, a Piwa I look out for.