Vilnius Gin (Vilniaus Džinas) is a geographically protected dry gin produced exclusively in Vilnius, Lithuania, styled as a juniper-forward London Dry Gin with citrus, pine, coriander, and dill notes.

Where is Vilnius Gin produced?

Vilnius Gin is produced exclusively in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, with origins tracing back to the early 20th century at Count Jonas Pšezdeckis's estate.

What are the tasting notes of Vilnius Gin?

Vilnius Gin is juniper-forward with bright green juniper on the nose, bitter orange peel, citrus freshness, a piney core on the palate, initial sweetness, warming spice, and a moderately long clean finish with subtle coriander and dill.

How is Vilnius Gin distilled?

Vilnius Gin is distilled with rectified grain alcohol and local water, reflecting Lithuania's temperate climate and post-glacial aquifers, emphasizing a clean and structured London Dry profile.

What cocktails work best with Vilnius Gin?

Vilnius Gin excels in cocktails where definition matters: a crisp Gin & Tonic, a Martini highlighting juniper purity, and a Negroni benefiting from its warming spice and firm structure.

What is the alcohol strength of Vilnius Gin?

Vilnius Gin is bottled at 45% ABV, offering more heat and concentration than mainstream European London Dry Gins.

What is a Vilnius Gin?

Wayne Munday
Jan 21, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city of layered history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, set at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town enchants visitors with baroque spires, cobblestone streets, and atmospheric courtyards, while districts like bohemian Užupis add a contemporary edge. The city offers thriving arts, jazz festivals, and traditional Lithuanian cuisine, complemented by nearby green escapes such as Pavilniai and Verkiai Regional Parks for hiking and birdwatching. Vilnius also serves as the birthplace of Vilnius Gin, a geographically protected, juniper-forward London Dry with subtle citrus, coriander, and dill notes. This fusion of heritage, nature, and craft spirit culture makes Vilnius a must-visit Baltic destination.

Vilnius in the southeast region of Lithuania the largest and most southerly of the three Baltic republics.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city where history, culture, and nature converge in a captivating blend that makes it one of Europe’s most intriguing travel destinations. Nestled in the southeast of the country, Vilnius lies at the meeting point of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the gentle contours of the Baltic landscape. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest in Eastern Europe, enchants visitors with cobblestone streets, baroque church spires, and atmospheric courtyards that reveal centuries of layered heritage.

Beyond its architectural treasures, Vilnius offers a vibrant cultural scene, from contemporary art galleries and jazz festivals to traditional Lithuanian cuisine served in cozy taverns. For nature lovers, the nearby Pavilniai Regional Park and Verkiai Regional Park provide trails through woodlands and river valleys, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Transport connections are excellent:

Vilnius International Airport links the city to major European hubs, while rail and bus routes connect travelers to Kaunas, Trakai Castle, and the lakes and forests of Aukštaitija National Park. Whether wandering through the bohemian Užupis district, kayaking along the Neris River, or gazing across the city from Gediminas’ Tower, Vilnius offers a sensory-rich experience that combines urban charm with the natural beauty of Lithuania’s landscapes, making it an ideal hub for exploration in the Baltic region.

Vilnius Gin Cocktails - Image by Alex Voulgaris

Vilnius Gin (Vilniaus Džinas) is a geographically protected dry gin produced exclusively in Vilnius, in southeast Lithuania—the most southerly of the Baltic republics. Its origins trace to the early 20th century, when Count Jonas Pšezdeckis distilled gin on his estate, a tradition later carried forward by Vilniaus degtinė, one of Lithuania’s oldest and largest alcoholic beverage companies. The brand’s lineage connects to Obeliai Distillery in the Rokiškis District, established in 1907, anchoring Vilnius Gin in a century of regional craft and industry. Styled as a classic London Dry, it is unapologetically juniper-forward, presenting bright green juniper on the nose with bitter orange peel and citrus freshness, then a piney core on the palate with a touch of initial sweetness, warming spice, and a clean, moderately long finish. Coriander and dill seeds emerge gently at the end, adding herbal nuance without overshadowing the juniper backbone.

Distilled with rectified grain alcohol and local water, Vilnius Gin’s organoleptic profile reflects Lithuania’s temperate climate and post-glacial aquifers that lend clarity and structure, a subtle expression of terroir in a spirit category often considered neutral. Bottled at a robust 45% ABV, it delivers more heat and concentration than mainstream European standards such as Waitrose London Dry Gin, while remaining more straightforward and juniper-heavy than geographically protected Plymouth Gin or boutique craft bottlings like G’Vine Nouaison Reserve and V.J.O.P. The result is a traditional and disciplined gin.

In cocktails, Vilnius Gin excels where definition matters: a crisp gin and tonic highlights its citrus snap, a Martini showcases its linear juniper purity, and a Negroni benefits from its warming spice and firm structure. For enthusiasts seeking a spirit with regional character, historical continuity, and classic London Dry clarity, this Vilnius original stands out as a distinctly Baltic expression grounded in place, craft, and enduring style.