According to production manager Tomas Stonkus, this result is important not only for the specific product but also in the broader context of Lithuanian brewing.
“Lithuanian brewing has deep traditions, but today it is also held to high standards of quality and taste. International recognition shows that local producers can be seen in a global context where products are evaluated based on clear criteria rather than brand recognition,” says T. Stonkus.
The “Superior Taste Award” is an international taste quality award given to food and beverage products that have achieved the required number of points from professional taste experts. The overall score for “Vilkmergės Premium Baras” reached 86%. Two stars are awarded to products scoring between 80 and 90%.
“In such competitions, the overall impression is considered—from appearance to aroma, taste, and final sensation. Therefore, two stars are not the result of a single criterion. It shows that consistent attention to recipe, quality, and taste can be appreciated even in an international context,” notes T. Stonkus.
Blind test for product evaluation
The methodology applied by the “International Taste Institute” is based on blind testing—evaluators do not know the product’s brand, manufacturer, or any other information that could influence their decision. They only know the category.
The panel consists of more than 200 professional taste experts from various countries. These are chefs and sommeliers selected based on tasting experience, participation in professional competitions, or recognition by gastronomic institutions. The process itself is also standardized—samples are presented under identical conditions, following the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and serving.
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“The blind test allows distancing from the brand’s history, packaging, or advertising claims. Experts decide based on what they record during the tasting, so the result is based on clear criteria rather than product recognition,” says T. Stonkus.
Experts evaluated not only taste but also its harmony
Experts from the International Taste Institute, when evaluating the taste of “Vilkmergės Premium Baras,” also analyzed how its aroma and flavor nuances unfold alongside different types of dishes.
The experts’ descriptions mention fried squid with lemon, vegetable tempura, lasagna, fried chicken with lemon, smoked salmon, as well as falafel with avocado, fried egg, corn, and salad—dishes alongside which the taste specialists noticed interesting aromatic harmonies.
“These are not consumption recommendations—rather a gastronomic context showing how experts assess the overall taste. They look not only at the product itself but also at how its aroma, texture, or final sensation unfolds alongside foods of different flavors. Such analysis shows that brewing is valued in international gastronomy as part of taste culture,” notes T. Stonkus.
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