🥃 Stumbras

Stumbras is the oldest and largest spirits plant in Lithuania, operating in Kaunas since 1906. The name means “bison” in Lithuanian. Since 2016 the company has been called MV GROUP Production, while the Kaunas plant has kept the Stumbras name and produces vodka, liqueurs, herbal bitters and brandy.

History. Production in Kaunas began at the end of 1906. In 2003 the company was privatised: it was bought by a structure of the Lithuanian group MG Baltic. In 2016 it was renamed MV GROUP Production, its headquarters moved to Vilnius, and the related producers Alita and Anykščių vynas became its divisions. A museum of spirits has operated at the Kaunas plant since 2009, the first of its kind in Lithuania.

How it is made. According to the Lithuanian encyclopedia, the group produces vodka, herbal bitters, liqueurs, brandy, rum, gin and whisky, as well as wines and cider. A separate line is honey drinks: the Lithuanian Krupnikas is a sweet honey liqueur with spices, traditionally also served warm.

Brands. Among the well-known names are Lithuanian, Stumbras, Stumbro Starka, Devynerios, Krupnikas, Gloria and Palanga. The company exports its drinks to more than 40 countries on five continents.

Why it matters to you. Stumbras is both the name of the plant and the name of a particular vodka, so read the full name and type of drink on the label: vodka, liqueur and brandy have different strengths. Under EU rules vodka must be at least 37.5% ABV, and liqueur at least 15%. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.