Top 12 Baltic Spirits and Liqueurs

Located at the hip Telliskivi area, Junimperium Distillery is the first open artisan gin distillery in Tallinn and Estonia, which offers distillery tours for everyone interested in the history of gin and the art of production.Expand

Saaremaa is a premium brand of spirits produced by the Saaremaa Distillery in Estonia. The brand is known for its high-quality vodkas and other flavored spirits, crafted using pure local ingredients from the island of Saaremaa. Saaremaa is part of the Anora Group, a leading Nordic and Baltic drinks company, which also owns several other well-known brands. The distillery's products, including the iconic Saaremaa vodka, reflect the region's rich tradition of spirit production while incorporating modern distilling techniques. Through Anora Group's support, Saaremaa continues to expand its reach, offering a taste of Estonian heritage to the global market.Expand

Riga Black is a heritage-driven Latvian brand built around the original 1752 recipe for its signature herbal bitter, combining traditional craftsmanship with a clearly defined regional identity. The brand’s foundation lies in the use of natural, locally sourced botanicals, which are infused through a controlled maceration process to create a complex, balanced flavor profile. Its core product, Riga Black Balsam, has expanded into a broader portfolio that includes fruit-infused editions, dessert-like variations, and premium releases, all of which maintain the characteristic depth of the original formula. The visual identity - most notably the iconic ceramic bottle - emphasizes its apothecary origins and reinforces the sense of authenticity and continuity. While rooted in centuries-old practice, Riga Black positions itself as a modern brand that integrates tradition, natural ingredients, and contemporary drinking culture, making it one of Latvia’s most distinctive and globally recognized products.Expand

This Latvian herbal liqueur is based on a combination of 27 different botanicals, including wormwood, valerian, black pepper, gentian, and ginger. The herbal infusion is later matured and mixed with honey and caramel. It is believed that the drink was first produced by a pharmacist named Kunze in 1752, and it was originally launched as the Real Kunze’s Riga Herbal Balsam. The production of the liqueur was abruptly stopped during the Second World War, but it was later restored, and the drink is still produced following the original, secret recipe. This smooth and slightly bitter liqueur is best enjoyed neat, but it also incorporates well into cocktails and long drinks.Expand

Translated from Estonian as old Tallinn, Vana Tallinn is an Estonian rum-based liqueur that was created by Ilse Maar. Although the recipe is kept secret, some of the flavorings include citrus oils, cinnamon, and vanilla. Classic version is produced in three varieties, which differ in alcohol content, the lightest (white label) with 40% ABV and the strongest (black label) having 50% ABV. The first version of Vana Tallinn (red label) that was created in 1962 has 45% alcohol by volume. Apart from the standard versions, the brand also produces a variety of flavored cream-based liqueurs, as well as several special edition drinks. It is recommended to serve Vana Tallinn on the rocks or as an accompaniment to coffee, but the liqueur also incorporates well into cocktails and long drinks. The drink is produced by an Estonian company Liviko. Expand

Starka is an alcoholic beverage that is usually based on rye spirit. It dates back to the 15th century, and it is traditionally associated with Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus. Its origin is mostly connected to Polish noble families who would bury and age a distillate in wooden barrels to commemorate the birth of a child. Starka was only consumed on special occasions, most commonly on the child’s wedding day. Nowadays, most varieties of this old drink are made from a rye distillate and a number of secret ingredients, while the best versions are still aged in oak barrels. The aging period can range from a couple up to several decades for the best examples. Oak-aging will give provide caramel color, and it will allow the drink to develop finer flavors, as well spicy and fruity notes reminiscent of vanilla, wood, and dried fruit. Starka is sold in various grades—which are defined by the length of maturation. It should be noted that some producers do not use traditional techniques and add flavorings to a rye distillate. This flavored version is usually of low-quality and cheaper than oak-aged varieties. Expand

Dainava is a Lithuanian liqueur made with a grain spirit and fruit juices (apple, rowanberry, cherry, cranberry or lingonberry, and blueberry juice). The resulting liqueur has a vibrant red color, fruity aroma, and a complex, bittersweet, subtly sour flavor. The drink was created at the Stumbras distillery, and the production began in the1960s. The name refers to the historical Lithuanian region Dainava (Dzūkija), while the term Trauktinė refers to a traditional Lithuanian drink made with fruit and herbs. Dainava is a drink that can be served on the rocks, but it also goes well with soft drinks or fruit juices. Expand

Samanė is a pungent Lithuanian spirit distilled from rye, wheat, or triticale. The grains are mashed and fermented with baker's yeast before distillation. Samanė is a clear and colorless spirit, though it can attain a yellow or light brown hue if aged in oak. The flavor and the aroma are grainy, reminiscent of dark bread. The spirit is twice distilled in copper stills, and no additional sweeteners and coloring or flavoring agents can be added, though aged varieties can be adjusted with caramel. The minimum alcoholic strength of samanė is 50% ABV. Expand