Pakruojis Manor is the only craft distillery in eastern European country of Lithuania. The Pakruojis area, in the north of the country, has a long history for producing spirits and beer, but not whisky. This dates to the 16th century. The distillery has been producing craft gin, schnapps and liqueurs since 2018. Whisky has followed since the Covid pandemic.
The distillery is situated in a recently restored historic manor house on the outskirts of the town of Pakruojis (pronounced pak-why-is). This houses a hotel, a fine-dining restaurant and events spaces. It also plays host to local festivals such as the Summer Flower Festival and the Winter Festival of Lights. The manor house was built in 1643 and has a long and storied history.
Whisky production began in the post-Covid years. The spirit has not yet reached three years of age. It is therefore classified as a spirit drink, rather than whisky, although Lithuania has no rules regarding this. The two products we are reviewing here are Straight From The Cask No.2 and Straight From The Cask No.3. We thank Sarunas Karalius, co-partner at Pakruojis Manor, for sending the samples.
The No.2 is a marriage of three different casks – 1x 30-litre cherry wood, 1x 30-litre Caucasian oak and 1x ex-Madeira hogshead that previously held Caol Ila peated Scotch single malt. Our sample is bottled at 57.4% ABV. The No.3 uses peated distillate matured in an ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry cask for 2.5 years. This is bottled at 56.2% ABV.
Our Tasting Notes
Straight From The Cask #2
The colour is deep gold and the nose is bold, savoury and enticing. Aromas of dried orange peel and dried lemon zest are quickly joined by alpine herbs and sweet liquorice. Then comes cinnamon bark, manuka honey and sugar syrup. An oaky woodiness evolves with a twist of clove and nutmeg. A final hint of peppery aqua vitae and blackcurrant leaf adds further interest.
On the palate this whisky is expressive and rich. It feels waxy, syrupy and viscous in the mouth. Delicious notes of bitter red cherry, dried orange peel, and liquorice candy lead the way. Then comes some high percentage chocolate, think of 60% or above, and a distinct menthol eucalyptus vibe. A lovely confected lemon in sugar syrup note comes through, which is complimented with a hint of cracked black pepper. The blackcurrant characteristic returns right at the end.
The finish is long and warming. It feels dusty and herbal with plenty of charred wood and eucalyptus. The sweet elements fade quite rapidly and a peppery heat drags things out.
Straight From The Cask #3
The colour is deep amber and the nose is herbal and sweet with a wisp of wood smoke. Dark treacle-like aromas combine with heavy menthol and eucalyptus in an intriguing start. Sugary raisin and dark chocolate also marry with molasses and a hint of salted liquorice. Underneath sits some soft ashy peat smoke and a hint of bitter orange oil.
On the palate this whisky feels oily and syrupy in the mouth. Pronounced notes of bitter orange and molasses lead the way and are quickly joined by treacle tart and the expressive menthol and eucalyptus. A peppery heat builds and seems to accentuate the existing flavours. It also seems to coax out some golden syrup, caramel and dark chocolate, plus fresh waxy honeycomb. The soft smoke, salinity and damp earthy notes bind together superbly.
The finish is long with the treacle-like sweetness driving things on. This is supported by a woody and ashy smoke that underpins everything. The menthol characteristic is also never far away and adds a lovely depth.
What’s The Verdict?
This is our first time ever sampling Lithuanian whisky. And we hope that it is not the last. The quality of these two spirits is superb and they feel unique. There is clearly no attempt to copy the style of Scotch or Irish whisky, and Pakruojis Manor stands on its own. The whiskies also represent very well what is happening across Europe. There are many craft distillers across the continent that are pushing boundaries and creating very interesting whisky at the moment. Long may that continue.
