Stumbras Starka 700ML

The Rich, Oak-Aged Spirit of Baltic Heritage

Experience a true taste of Eastern European history with Stumbras Starka. Crafted by the historic AB Stumbras distillery in Kaunas, Lithuania, this distinct, golden-brown spirit offers an intriguing bridge between grain-based spirits and light aged brandies.

Dating back to the 15th century in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Starka was traditionally made by fathers to celebrate the birth of a child. A crude spirit was poured into an empty oak barrel along with apple and pear tree leaves, sealed with beeswax, and buried until the child's wedding day. Stumbras preserves this legacy by infusing natural apple and pear tree leaves, brandy, and a touch of caramel into a refined spirit, resting it to achieve its signature amber-golden color and complex botanical profile.

The balanced structure, warm fruit character, and herbal complexity of Stumbras Starka rely on time-tested infusion techniques:

1. Natural Leaf Infusion: Freshly harvested pear and apple tree leaves are steeped naturally into the spirit. This imparts a unique herbal bitterness alongside sweet, dried-orchard fruit aromatics.

2. Brandy & Barrel Influence: Blended with fine grape brandy and rested with wood contact, the liquid picks up subtle toasted oak notes, vanilla, and a warm amber glow.

3. Approachable Proofing: Bottled at a warming 40% ABV (80 Proof), it delivers a rich, smooth mouthfeel with a gentle, comforting burn.

Taste Profile & Connoisseur Service

• The Profile: Displays a warm, brilliant amber-golden color in the glass. It is medium-bodied, velvety, and balanced, offering a smooth entry with a pleasant interplay between honeyed sweetness and herbal bitterness.

• Flavor Highlights: An inviting, aromatic nose opens with strong scents of dried apple, baked pear, and subtle honey, underpinned by delicate herbal tea and oak notes. The palate is rich and smooth, unfolding concentrated orchard fruit, honey sweetness, and toasted wood before settling into a soft, bittersweet herbal edge.

• The Finish: Medium to long and nicely warming, leaving a lingering impression of dried pear, light baking spices, and a gentle herbal dryness.

• How to Enjoy: Serve neat or slightly chilled in a small tulip glass or snifter to allow the dried fruit and leaf aromatics to unfold. It is also delightful poured over a single large ice cube.

• In Mixology & Food Pairing: Stumbras Starka is traditionally served alongside apple juice for a classic, easy-drinking tall drink. It also makes an exceptional base for a Starka Sour (shaken with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup) or a unique twist on a Gold Rush. For dining, it pairs phenomenally with hearty Eastern European dishes, smoked meats, aged cheeses, or roasted pork.

Product Specifications

Dried apple, honeyed pear, and subtle oak wrapped in a traditional, herbal Baltic frame. By marrying natural tree leaf infusions with fine brandy and centuries of Lithuanian tradition, Stumbras Starka over-delivers on character and versatility. It stands as an ideal choice for adventurous spirit collectors, cultural celebrations, or a comforting after-dinner digestif.