Beer Spirit “From the Barrel” (liet. „Iš statinės“)
Pakruojis Manor Distillery presents the second release in its “From the Barrel” series – a contemplative exploration of what barrel-aged spirits might have existed in Lithuania, where the tradition of distillation began over 500 years ago.
The beer spirit is born from brewing beer, which is then distilled. Several beer types are brewed for this process, using Pilsner-style and peat-smoked malts. For aging, a 30-liter Caucasian oak barrel is used alongside a 250-liter cask that previously held fortified Spanish wine, followed by smoky Caol Ila whisky from the legendary Scottish island of Islay. An extremely rare cherry wood barrel is also used in the maturation process.
The resulting distillate reveals gentle oak notes, aromas of dried plums, figs, honeycomb, and vanilla. On the palate: lightly sweet, with distinct beer spirit and fresh plum flavors. The texture is oily, with a mild bitterness from the wood, hints of pepper, and a touch of vanilla. The finish is medium in length, with lingering wood and apricot pit notes.
Storage conditions: 10°C to 25°C. Natural sediment may form over time.
In Pakruojis Manor, beverages have been crafted since the 18th century, when the estate housed a hospital, a pharmacy, and a distillery founded by the manor’s apothecary. The infusions and tinctures created at that time were used within the estate and soon spread widely across the region. Today, in this historic place, Lithuania’s first craft distillery has been revived, where ancient, wood-fired copper stills have been brought back to life, writing a new chapter in the country’s spirits-making history.
Style
Pakruojis Manor spirits stand out for their unique character, combining ancestral recipes with modern craft philosophy.
Infusions – subtly aromatic, revealing nuances of local herbs and fruits.
Tinctures – intense and full-bodied, with expressive notes of spices and medicinal plants.
Distillates – elegant and refined, highlighting the purity and depth imparted by copper stills.
Heritage and uniqueness
The distillery was born from the centuries-old traditions of Pakruojis Manor, which date back to the 18th century. Ancient recipes, passed down through generations, are today reborn through the art of craft distillation. The authentic setting and carefully restored processes unite past and present, creating spirits that reflect both Lithuania’s heritage and the spirit of the contemporary craft movement.