Firstep Beer, a budding brewery founded by Michal Minarik in Slovakia in 2024, has swiftly made a mark in the craft beer scene. Alongside his partners Rafael Medina Armenta and Peter Škrovan, who also have brewing experience, Minarik embarked on this venture with a vision. Having honed his craft at the esteemed Sibeeria brewery in Czechia, Minarik brings a wealth of expertise to Firstep. Currently utilizing a local brewery in Slovakia, the team plans to expand by opening their own brewpub soon.
Their dedication and skill were recently recognized at the King of Craft 2025 competition during the Central European Brewers Conference in Budapest, where their Polymorph IPA clinched the Best IPA and Best of Show titles. Minarik describes Polymorph as a cold IPA with a unique central European influence, emphasizing a hop-forward flavor profile and a bottom-fermented brewing process devoid of adjunct grains. The name ‘Polymorph’ signifies the beer’s versatile nature, drawing inspiration from the variability of such brews. Minarik also nods to the British sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf as a subtle nod in the beer’s nomenclature.
Delving into the brewing specifics, Minarik reveals the recipe’s nuances. To enhance the beer’s simple, dry body, they incorporated a single decoction and German hops during the brewing process. The infusion of two distinct hop products, alongside T-90s, amplifies the classic New World hoppy essence, elevating the beer’s overall character.
Originally crafted as a favor for friends at the Oerlikon Brewery in Zürich, Switzerland, Polymorph quickly garnered acclaim for its approachable nature, becoming a go-to choice during the brewery’s renovation phase. With an all-grain batch size of 5 gallons and an ABV of 5.9%, this IPA boasts an IBU of 40, making it a well-balanced and flavorsome offering.
As Firstep continues to evolve and carve its niche in the brewing landscape, the success of Polymorph serves as a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. With accolades from prestigious competitions and a growing fan base, Firstep Beer is poised to make significant strides in the craft beer industry. Minarik’s expertise and passion, combined with the team’s collaborative spirit, underscore their potential for continued success and influence in the realm of all-grain brewing.
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