Best Places To Buy Lithuanian Beer

Lithuanian beer is widely available to purchase online from specialist retailers such as Drizly, GotoLiquorStore, and Sal's Beverage World. These websites offer a range of Lithuanian beers, including those from the Švyturys-Utenos Alus (Carlsberg) brewery, such as the Ekstra Lager Beer, the Baltas White Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Beer, and the Old Port Ale. In addition to these specialist retailers, it is also possible to buy Lithuanian beer from larger online stores such as Total Wine & More.

Online options for Lithuanian beer

There are several online options for purchasing Lithuanian beer. Beers of Europe offers a wide selection of Lithuanian beers, including fruit and flavoured beers, as well as those from well-known breweries such as Kalnapilis and Svyturys. The website provides free delivery for orders over £100. Similarly, Drizly offers a dedicated section for Lithuanian beer on its website, with the added convenience of delivering your order within 60 minutes.

For those in Australia, Gourmet Planet Pty Ltd offers a couple of Lithuanian beers on its website. These include the Kalnapilis Royal Select Beer, a golden-yellow, medium-hopped beer with notes of citrus and grain, and the Vilkmerges Premium Beer, a pale golden lager with a subtle aroma of noble "Magnum" hops. It is important to note that these beers are subject to specific conditions set by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations, and must be purchased in conjunction with other non-alcoholic goods, with the total value of liquor not exceeding 75% of the total purchase.

Local stores that sell Lithuanian beer

If you're looking for local stores that sell Lithuanian beer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try specialty beer stores or international beverage shops in your area. These stores often carry a diverse range of beers from different countries, including Lithuania. Look for stores that specialize in European or Eastern European beverages, as they are more likely to have Lithuanian beers in stock.

Another option is to check local liquor or wine stores. While they may not exclusively sell beer, these stores sometimes offer a variety of craft and imported beers, which could include Lithuanian brands. It's worth browsing their international or craft beer sections to see if they carry any Lithuanian options.

Additionally, some supermarkets with well-stocked beer aisles may also offer Lithuanian beers. These stores typically have a wider selection of domestic and imported beers, so you might be able to find popular Lithuanian brands alongside other international choices.

Lastly, if you're unable to find Lithuanian beer at local retail stores, consider checking online retailers. Websites such as Drizly, Total Wine & More, and Beers of Europe offer Lithuanian beers for purchase. These sites often provide delivery services, making it convenient to shop from the comfort of your home. By utilizing these options, you should be able to explore and enjoy the unique and authentic tastes of Lithuanian beer.

Popular Lithuanian beer brands

Švyturys

Švyturys is Lithuania's oldest brewery, founded in 1784, and is a symbol of Baltic brewing heritage. The name means "lighthouse" in English, reflecting the brand's view of itself as a beacon of quality beer. Švyturys offers a diverse range of beers, from crisp lagers to rich porters and refreshing wheat beers, all made using traditional recipes and the finest ingredients.

Volfas Engelman (Wolfas Engelman)

Volfas Engelman is a renowned Lithuanian brewery with a long history, dating back to 1853. The brand is a testament to quality, tradition, and innovation, seamlessly blending traditional brewing methods with modern techniques. Volfas Engelman crafts a diverse range of beers, including classic lagers, wheat beers, ales, and special seasonal brews. Their original Volfas Engelman Pilsner is known for its balanced taste, while the Volfas Engelman Rinktinis is a rich and aromatic lager.

Aukštaitijos Bravorų

Aukštaitijos Bravorų is a distinguished Lithuanian craft brewery, established in the heart of the Aukštaitija region, an area known for its deep-rooted brewing traditions. They pride themselves on creating beers that reflect Lithuania's rich heritage and unique flavours. The brewery combines traditional techniques with a modern approach to craft a wide variety of beers, including classic lagers, crisp pilsners, smooth wheat beers, and unique speciality brews, all made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients.

Kalnapilis

Kalnapilis is one of Lithuania's most iconic breweries, founded in 1902 in Panevėžys, in the north of the country. They are known for their dedication to quality and tradition, using premium ingredients and carefully preserving traditional brewing methods while also embracing innovation. Kalnapilis offers a diverse range of beers, including classic lagers, crisp pilsners, and distinctive ales. Their most celebrated brew is the Kalnapilis Original, a smooth, balanced lager with a refreshing finish. They also produce speciality beers like the Kalnapilis Grand Select, a richer, more intense brew for true beer connoisseurs.

Other Notable Mentions

In addition to the above, there are several other popular Lithuanian beer brands and breweries, including:

• Dundulis: A brewery known for its excellent stout, Gutstoutas, which is recommended to be enjoyed on tap.
• Vilniaus alus: This brewery gained popularity a few years ago but has since been outshone by more inventive breweries.
• Rinkuškiai: They offer a range of beers, including the sweet and light Alaus Kelias, the dark and slightly sweet Porteris, and the subtle light beer Proginis.
• Apynys: Their "Green Monster" beer is highly regarded by those who enjoy bitter beers, described as "the beer for hops maniacs."

Types of Lithuanian beer

Lithuania has a long and unique history of brewing beer. In fact, it is one of the few countries in Europe with an independent beer tradition, with breweries producing beers in styles unknown in the rest of the world. Traditional farmhouse brewing has survived into the present day in Lithuania, with around 60-70 breweries producing beers in these traditional styles.

The farmhouse beers tend to have a soft, sweetish malty palate, with hops that do not dominate the flavour profile. Lithuanian beer, in general, tends to have a sweetish palate, with diacetyl or banana flavours, a cracker-like or berry-sweet malt foundation, and low levels of bitterness.

Some of the types of beer produced in Lithuania include:

• Keptinis: a type of farmhouse ale where the mash is baked in pans.
• Raw ale: made from unboiled wort with added hop tea.
• Stone beer: made with heated stones, which add a hint of caramelised flavour.
• Šviesusis: any pale beer.
• Tamsusis: any dark beer.
• Kvietinis: wheat beer.
• Gira: a low- or non-alcoholic drink made from rye bread, often sweetened, and usually made by large producers rather than traditional farmhouse breweries.
• Sour beers: some Lithuanian beers are known for their sour flavours, such as the Sakiškių Sour Pils and the Sakiškių Sour Pale Ale.
• Stouts: Lithuania also produces a range of stouts, such as the Sakiškių Imperial Stout, the Sakiškių Coconut Milk Stout, and the Sakiškių Maple Stout.
• Porters: including the Sakiškių Chipotle Porter and the Sakiškių Smoked Porter.
• India Pale Ales (IPAs): for example, the Sakiškių India Pale Ale, which has an ABV of 7.2%.
• Barley wine: an example is the Sakiškių Caraway Barley Wine, which is made with spices and herbs.
• Apple cider: such as the Gintaro Sino Apple Ice Wine.

Prices of Lithuanian beer

The price of beer in Lithuania is becoming more expensive, with a glass of beer in a bar costing up to 5.5 euros. This is comparable to prices in Western European cities, despite lower average incomes in Lithuania. The cost of a glass of beer in a bar (450 ml) can range from 3.5 to 6 euros, while non-alcoholic beer costs around 3-4.5 euros.

The increase in beer prices in Lithuania can be attributed to various factors, including the impact of the pandemic on the catering sector, rising production costs, and the price of raw materials.

When it comes to purchasing Lithuanian beer, the prices can vary depending on the brand, quantity, and retailer. For example, the Svyturys Ekstra Lager Beer (500ml) is priced at $2.49, while the Rinkuskiai Hell On High Quad-Bock Beer (500ml) is $2.49. On the other hand, the Svyturys Baltas White Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Beer and the Svyturys Ekstra Lager Beer (4-pack cans) are priced at $9.99. These prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the retailer and location.

Online retailers such as Sal's Beverage World and Wine-Searcher offer a range of Lithuanian beers with different price points. For instance, Wine-Searcher lists the average retail price of the Svyturys 'Ekstra' Lager Beer (750ml) as $4, although this price may vary depending on location and retailer.

Frequently asked questions