Švyturys
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Imported by: B&I Overseas Trading, Inc.
Van Nuys, CA
Available: CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI.
Švyturys-Utenos Alus UAB dates back over 225 years, to the founding of the first industrial brewery Klaip da Lithuania by the German merchant Jacob Raincke in 1784. The brewery is now a member of Denmark’s Carlsberg Group.
ABV: 5.8
ABW: 4.5
Color: 41
Bitterness: 17
Original gravity: 1060
It seems that each time I taste a beer from an exotic locale, research reveals that it is part of one of the top three or four largest global brewers. That said, this brew is well crafted and individualistic. Copper color has depth. There is a generous contrasting head. Spicy nose leads to well-balanced, rich, biscuity flavors; semi-dry with a clean finish. From Lithuania, it’s right at home at our table with my grandma’s recipe for cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, spice and diced vegetables in a aromatic tomato sauce, topped with sour cream.
An obscurified amber brew with foam to match. Inviting beery, caramel aroma. Full flavored, full body and certainly avuncular. Avoids being hop-fussy. A merciful brew for those seeking malty and caramel accents. Surprisingly enjoyable for what it is. Well done and in elegant shape, all the way from Lithuania.
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.
