Tasting Notes: Svyturys Baltijos

Svyturys BaltijosBrewery: Svyturys
Location: Lithuania
ABV: 5.8%
Version: Bottled
Source: Deli Delicious, Abergavenny

Well this is an unusual one. I popped into Deli Delicious in my local town of Abergavenny because they had a Chocolate Tasting day on. Now, chocolate and I have been very good friends for a long time, and with my wife and two kids in tow, we were like four kids welcomed into Willie Wonka’s factory. Choccy duly tasted – oh blimey, it was good – I naturally asked whether they had any ales. “We have these Lithuanian beers, and our regulars come back to them again and again.” I didn’t need much more encouragement. And what an interesting drink it turned out to be!

It pours with a dark amber colour and a thick head, which it retains, and a heavy caramel/coffee smell. I wasn’t too excited about trying it after that – the smell was pretty heavy – but the beer itself was a delicious delight. The strength came through, but not too cloying, and the slightly sweet taste – and strong aftertaste – competed with the chocolate for Best Tasted Thing Of The Day. The beer won, just, and I’ll certainly be returning to Deli Delicious to pick up some more soon.

  • Robertas

    I am from lithuania and I can say that Baltijos is one of those things that makes me proud being from lithuania (apart of basketball of course:) ). It’s slightly sweet taste differs it from other dark ales brewed in germany or czech republic. surprising you have that in the uk.. I always thought there’s only Svyturys extra in tesco

  • http://www.darrenturpin.me.uk Darren Turpin

    Hi Robertas – I’ve been looking out for Baltijos ever since Tim first mentioned it, but I’ve not found it yet. I think he bought his at a speciality delicatessen and they probably sourced it direct from somewhere on the continent. As you say, no sign of it Tesco yet. The search goes on!

  • Ruth

    i’m lithuanian too and I absolutely agree with Robertas. Baltijos beer is something special. That sweetish, caramel taste . .ahh , my favourite.. Some ethnographers are certain that the taste and colour of baltijos beer is probably the closest to the beer that was offered by Svyturys to Klaipeda citizens 200 years ago.

  • http://www.darrenturpin.me.uk Darren Turpin

    Hi Ruth – okay, now I really want to try a bottle of Baltijos. You Lithuanians are making me thirsty ;)

  • Ruth

    Well that just becouse we have really good beer, we like it and we’re proud of it :) By the way you should also look up for other beer from this brewery called Svyturys wheat (baltas), served cold, with a piece of lemon – it’s just amazing ;)

  • John

    My favorite from Svyturys is Ekstra Draught , it’s non-pasteurised. Easily drinkable. I would definitely recomend to try it ;)

  • Marion

    I agree with the article 100%! Lithuania has amazing beer and it should be very proud of it! And especially if we’re talking about Svyturys production. As i know Svyturys is the oldest brewery in Lithuania and i could say – they know their job. Svyturys Baltijos is something special, but i liked almost everything i’ve tried from Svyturys. I’m surprised that it’s not that well-known in the world or even in Europe, it definitely worth it and i think one day it will!

  • Angela

    I have tried only Svyturys traditional collection and i liked each and all of them. Looking forward to try what else Svyturys has to offer. Heard they have pretty amazing lager called Svyturys Ekstra.

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