A symbolic year – when brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright secured the “Flying Machine” patent, and physicists were grappling with Albert Einstein’s newly published energy equation. In Kaunas, 1906 also marked the beginning of the Stumbras distillery – a milestone that shaped the future of Lithuania’s beverage industry and its traditions. Over 120 years, the factory has lived through the Tsarist regime, interwar Lithuania, the Soviet era, and ultimately a return to independence – when Lithuanian business opened up to the wider world.

“Every brick here seems to tell a story. As you step onto the factory grounds, you feel a deep respect for the past and the continuity of traditions that our team carries forward today,” says Vaida Paulikė, Production Director at Stumbras. “It’s remarkable how much about a city and a country can be revealed through a single name.”

One of Kaunas’ oldest industrial companies has undergone many transformations, yet has remained a leader in its field – driven by a commitment to innovation and high technological standards.

According to V. Paulikė, not only have technologies and production volumes evolved over 120 years, but the role of the factory itself has shifted – from part of a state monopoly to a private business confidently expanding into international markets and promoting Lithuanian products worldwide.

Always in the heart of Kaunas

At the end of the 19th century, when a state vodka monopoly was introduced in the Russian Empire, only state-owned factories were allowed to produce and sell spirits. One such facility was built in Kaunas in 1906, near the railway station, initially named simply Kaunas Spirits Warehouse No. 1.

Back then, production and sales were measured not in liters, but in buckets – according to the measurement system of the time. One bucket equaled around 12.3 liters, and quantities as small as 1/200 of a bucket could be purchased. Annual turnover reached 150,000 buckets – a significant production scale for the era.

The factory complex, located between what are now Bažnyčios and Girstupio streets, remains one of the most prominent symbols of Kaunas’ industrial heritage. While the city has transformed beyond recognition over 120 years, Stumbras has preserved its authenticity – century-old red brick buildings and the original spatial layout instantly transport visitors back in time. Today, it is not only a functioning factory, but also an architectural and historical part of Kaunas’ identity.

The only museum of its kind in Lithuania

Not every Kaunas resident may know that the red brick complex is also home to the unique Stumbras Museum, opened in 2009. It is the only museum of its kind in Lithuania, offering visitors a chance to explore archival materials, historic packaging, production equipment, and other exhibits – providing insight not only into the factory’s evolution, but also into the broader history of Lithuanian industry.

According to Vidmantė Mickevičienė, Head of Visitor Centers at MV GROUP Production, the museum serves more than an educational purpose. The factory spaces have also opened up to art and culture – something highly valued by contemporary artists seeking distinctive contexts for their work. The authentic industrial setting adds layers of meaning to creative projects and offers audiences a fresh perspective on art.

In recent years, the factory has hosted theatre performances, music concerts, and, most notably, the 15th Kaunas Biennial – an international contemporary art exhibition featuring artists from around the world.

Mickevičienė adds that the anniversary year will also be rich in events, including the Stumbras Bartenders’ Championship and an open day at the museum with free guided tours.

Driven by the will to win

Algirdas Čiburys, CEO of MV GROUP Production, notes that while the company has seen many changes over its 120-year history, its people remain the strongest link between past and future.

“The latest transformation began over 20 years ago, when the ownership of the factory changed. The acquisition of the Kaunas plant in 2003 was the largest deal in the company’s history – a major investment and a strategic shift toward manufacturing and proprietary brands,” he explains.

Today, that journey is best reflected in the fact that vodka produced in Kaunas is included in Drinks International’s prestigious The Millionaires’ Club ranking.

Long-standing traditions and high quality have earned Stumbras brands numerous awards. Lithuanian vodka “Lithuanian” is the most awarded vodka produced in the country, with a total of 109 accolades across the product line – including 64 awards for “Lithuanian Gold.”

Expanding in international markets

The Kaunas factory currently employs 80 people, most of whom have been with the company for over a decade. According to Čiburys, Stumbras works in close synergy with other MV GROUP Production teams – including Alita, Anykščių vynas, and Gubernija – sharing knowledge, ideas, and expertise.

He notes that the modern Lithuanian beverage manufacturing business was essentially built starting from Stumbras – and the company continues to evolve.

“We are developing the brands nurtured in Kaunas in two directions – maintaining and expanding our strong spirits portfolio, while actively entering the lower-alcohol and ready-to-drink cocktail segment. These shifts are driven by market trends and our ambitions for long-term international growth, with particular focus on the Baltic states and Poland,” Čiburys concludes.