Half an hour’s drive from Valmiermuiža, on the banks of the River Rūja, is Naukšēni Manor, a brewery and distillery which remains as distinguished as ever in the face of history. Although the sounds of brewing have fallen silent here, rye malt highly esteemed by Latvian bakers and brewers is still produced in its expansive cellars. This year Naukšēni Brewery celebrates its 140th anniversary, and in its honour Valmiermuiža has created a special beer – as a dedication to a time when the grass was greener, the sky was bluer and life was sweeter.
Poured into a glass, this amber-hued lager gives rise to a light beige head. It is the result of the inspiration that Valmiermuiža’s brewmaster derived from the legendary Marzen beer, which used to be brewed at Naukšēni back in the day. Its aroma is defined by a base of lightly roasted, sweet bread and caramel, offset by notes of freshly plucked herbs and juicy tropical fruit. Meanwhile, its scrumptious flavour is a symphony of biscuit and sweet caramel, enhanced by the delicate tones of meadow flowers, grapefruit and rosemary, as well as the mild but pure bitterness of hops.
Unhurriedly brewed for special occasions, in Latvia beer has been the Master Brewer’s pride and joy since days of yore. As a measure of our respect for venerable traditions, at Valmiermuiža we brew unpasteurised beer patiently and nurture a culture of enjoying beer, so that beer enjoys a place of honour on the festive table just as it did in olden days.
