We might not be as famous as Belgium, Germany, or the Czech Republic for our beers, but Lithuania is a true beer country. For centuries, locals have been brewing beer, creating new recipes, and using beer in both pagan and later family rituals. This long tradition is even reflected in our language. The Baltic word alus, like Swedish öl, Danish and Norwegian øl, Finnish olut, Estonian õlu, and English ale, comes from the ancient Indo-European root alu.
In this article, we will explain some of the unique traditions, special traits, and share local tips about beer, brewing, and beer drinking in Vilnius and Lithuania.
We would like to thank Local Pub and the Lithuanian Beer Festival team for helping us prepare this article!
Lithuania has its own unique beer style
Local beers and beer snacks in Vilnius. Photo by Vilnius with Locals
One of the reasons why our beer is not known worldwide is because, in the 18th century, when Lithuania saw the rise of its first industrial breweries, they did not follow local brewing traditions. Instead, they tried to copy foreign types of beer with international names like porter, ale, and pilsner. However, one style of beer survived all the changes in history and industry — traditional Lithuanian farmhouse beer. It is often unfiltered, naturally fermented, and the taste can range from honey sweetness to smoky bitterness. If you are looking for it in a bar, ask for "Kaimiškas alus"
Even better, try to find "Kaimiškas Jovarų alus" In 2019, the European Commission recognised this brand as a protected geographical indication. It is an amber-coloured, naturally fermented, live (unpasteurised and unfiltered) barley malt beer. The whole production process is done in a household using traditional methods. One key reason for the traditional production and consistent quality of Kaimiškas Jovarų alus is its unique yeast. Passed down through generations for over 130 years, this special yeast is still used today only in this specific region.
Another interesting beer style you never heard of before is called "tekintas alus" This beer is special because the malt is not boiled during brewing.
It is believed that there are about 60–80 microbreweries in Lithuania
Moment captured during Lithuanian beer festival in Vilnius. Photo by organisers.
Traditionally, breweries have been concentrated in northeastern Aukštaitija. Today, this region is often called the cradle of Lithuanian brewing. The strongest brewing traditions are found in towns like Panevėžys, Biržai, and Pasvalys. Many of these are family businesses that still follow old methods—no pasteurisation, no filtering.
However, if we look at the list of brewing licences, the number is smaller, and even fewer are still active.
Traditional Lithuanian beer was made without hops
Even though archaeologists have found evidence of hops growing in the region 10,000 years ago, using them for beer production is a very recent invention. Only around 1,000 years ago, the first beers with hops appeared in Europe. Much later, hops became a main ingredient in beer production. In the past, Lithuanians used other spices to add bitterness, such as caraway seeds, wormwood, and juniper.
Vilnius has a pagan altar for the god of beer
Pagan ritual held by the altar to beer god Ragutis at Pilies street. Photo by Romuva
Beer drinking in ancient Lithuania was closely tied to pagan rituals, and traces of this tradition can still be seen in public spaces. For example, Vilnius has a pagan altar for beer, located in the heart of Pilies Street, under old linden trees, next to Saint Parasceve Orthodox Church. This stone is dedicated to the beer god Ragutis and his wife Raugutienė. However, do not make offerings to the beer god today, as drinking alcohol in public places is illegal in Lithuania and can result in fines. This rule does not apply to summer terraces and outdoor bars.
There was also a celebration called Alutinis, Koštuvės, or Ragautuvės, traditionally held on September 21st to mark the brewing of the first beer from that year’s barley. This event not only marked the end of the harvest season but also prepared people for winter.
No wedding without beer
In the past, young people were not considered married until they drank beer to each other's health. The first person to drink a mug of beer to the other's health would pour the rest into their partner's eyes. This was a way of wishing them so much good fortune that it would even fill their eyes.
Wedding guests were also treated to beer, and the amount was measured in buckets. When preparing for the celebration, the needed amount of beer was calculated as one bucket per person. So, for as many guests as they expected that many buckets of beer were brewed. One bucket held 12.299 liters.
Beer Prices in Vilnius
Lithuanian beer festival in Vilnius in Kalnai park. Photo by organisers.
Many people ask us how much beer should cost in Vilnius bars. In our experience, mainstream beer brands typically cost 4-5 EUR per glass. If you are a beer enthusiast and enjoy trying new flavors, craft beer from small breweries may cost 7-8 EUR per glass. On average, you can expect to pay around 5-6 EUR. Of course, prices may be higher during concerts or major events.
Want to know more about traditional Lithuanian beer?
Today, Lithuanian craft brewers are creating modern flavors, often with traditional roots. You can discover more about this at the Lithuanian Beer Festival! It’s the only beer festival that brings together nearly all Lithuanian beer producers, from the smallest breweries in tiny villages to the larger ones in big cities. It’s two great days to meet the creators and producers of Lithuanian beer.
The Lithuanian Beer Festival attracts people not only to taste the drinks but also to try delicious food and enjoy a great time in a lovely city park. There is no other event where you can taste so many Lithuanian drinks and talk to people from the colorful world of Lithuanian beer. Two days of friendly encounters, conversation, learning, and new experiences.
Where? "Kalnų" park stage
When? May 22-23th Friday 3-10 PM; Saturday: 12-10 PM
How much? From 10 EUR
More info: alausfestivalis.lt
Lithuanian beer festival creative team. Photo by organisers.