Vyganto

No Longer In Business

Didn’t go to Vyganto brewery, but the only pub at the far side of the bus station has it on tap for about $.70 for half liter. The locals enjoyed this beer over the other mainstream stuff being served, maybe because of ABV, maybe because of price. The other place I visited is just on the edge of town called Barus Alus, open from 8am to 10pm. It’s across from the lake and up the road from the police station about 200 meters. Small courtyard, one tap and one bottle to go. 3 tables inside. Very much an old man’s place. Oddly everyone left 15 min after I walked in. There was a lot of distrust of me as they couldn’t accept I wasn’t Russia (a spy?). The brewery was literally in a farmhouse behind this place. Classic. Beer wasn’t as good as Vyganto, but slightly less than world class. In any case, lots of old drunk men with no teeth will try to talk to you in Lithuanian or Russian. No English anywhere. This is without a doubt the best town to try farmhouse beers in Lithuania. This is drinking old world style. Atmosphere cannot be replicated anywhere.

Pretty much the friendliest folk we met on our roadtrip through Baltic states and Scandinavia. Very glad motelpogo suggested we take this detour to find this place in its very odd location... down a dingy residential street just outside this small town. Don’t think they get too many non-Lithuanians here, as they were all too happy to set us up our own table, pick us fresh fruits from the garden, and take us on a tour of the brewing facilities. Spent a great couple of hours here.

There are only two bars in Pakruojis that AREN’T worth going to, but I’ve single this one out because a) it has a name and b) it is the one brewpub. Two mid-sized dark rooms and one tiny sunlit front room. The beer is one of the best Lithuanian farmhouse brews going.