A couple of sweeties

To Poland once more, and a Munich-style golden lager called Carpatia. It has the sweetness characteristic of the genre, but this is complicated by a pleasant bitter tang. If you like your Spaten but feel like a change, this one is for you.

The guys at Okocim score another hit with Palone, their "fire-brewed" dark beer. It's nothing at all like a stout, despite the tight head and silky smooth texture. Instead, this is an uber-sweet, flowery ale which manages to hold your attention without for a moment becoming at all cloying.

I'm pleased to welcome Polish beer back into my good books after some recent sub-standard experiences.