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Despite the fact that the former Principality of Lithuania is not included in the list of beer capitals of the world, Lithuanian beer is respected and of decent quality. Although this Baltic country has not given the world beer giants, “live ale” (gyvas alus) has been brewed here for more than a thousand years and is not influenced by fashion: although porter, IPA and any other beer style can be easily found in Lithuania, local craftsmen prefer to invent own, not borrow someone else’s. For example, Baltic porter, ice ale, smoky beer and other unusual styles are brewed. Lithuanians are not very fond of beer imports. More than 90% of the drink consumed is produced within the country.
History
The first mentions of Lithuanian beer date back to the 1704th century. There are more or less large industries in large cities, but most of all the country is proud of its craft breweries that have preserved traditional recipes. When the Swedes destroyed the town of Biržai in XNUMX, the first building to be restored was not a church, a school or a castle, but a brewery.
In those days, beer was such an important part of the culture that brewers were invited to weddings and other celebrations, so that by skillfully mixing beer cocktails, they kept the guests in a slight intoxication, not allowing them to “go overboard”.
In 1940, the Soviet Union banned the production of “homemade” beer in Lithuania, and the old recipes were on the verge of extinction. However, already in 1990, after the restoration of independence, about 200 breweries were opened in the country, producing a foamy drink using almost forgotten technologies (about 80 enterprises are now operating).
Production features
The creations of local craft brewers are not similar to European samples (according to British brewer and taster Michael Viper): beer is not sterilized in Lithuania, wild cloves, peas, raspberry leaves, and unusual varieties of hops are added to the composition.
Yeast is the key to the production of Lithuanian ale. Not only do the Baltic countries use their own special varieties, but the yeast sediment is not filtered out and the beer is not pasteurized.
Local brewers believe that “the yeast should be happy,” so you can’t quarrel or even just talk angrily in the room with the beer being prepared.
Features
Lithuanian beer is distinguished by a rich earthy taste, a variety of additives and a short shelf life.
The products of different breweries vary considerably in taste, aroma, raw materials and other characteristics, but the maximum strength of the foamy drink allowed by law is 9.5%.
Famous brands of Lithuanian beer
Крупные коммерческие предприятия: Utenos alus’, Kalnapilis, Švyturys, Ragutis, Tauras, Volfas.
Popular craft breweries: Dundulis, Sakiškių alus, Genys brewing, Jovarų alus and others.
How do Lithuanians drink beer?
One appetizer for all Lithuanian beer cannot be advised – the masterpieces of local brewers are too different from each other. For example, Švyturys Brewery recommends snacking on chocolate…
More traditional snacks include black bread, potato pancakes and pork ears.
The analogue of the Russian “shudder!” or “your health” serves as a toast “į sveikatą” (let’s be healthy).