Bauskas Alus

In heart of Zemgale in Bauska city there is historical evidence that monks in Bauskas mound were brewing beer since 16th century.
From 1873 to 1958, one of the largest breweries in Latvia operated in Bauska – Teodora Lodinga’s “Lodiņa alus”. Not only beer was brewed there, but also zelteris and lemonades.
In 1979, the construction of the Bauskas beer brewery was started on the banks of Mūsa river.
The brewery started its work in 1981. Soon, the first bottles of Rigas beer, Marta beer and Senču beer hit the store shelves. Brew master Kārlis Zālītis was not only responsible for brewing beer but also managing brewery.
Bauskas Gaišais Special Beer and Bauskas Tumšais Special Beer, which are still known today, have been produced since 1982 according to the recipe of the brew master Kārļis Zālītis. In 1984, the series of non-alcoholic drinks Riga malt drink and Vāverīte were created.
Over the years, Bauskas Brewery has won various international awards. As the first important award, it is worth mentioning the medals won in 1984 at the national exhibition in Moscow.
With the increase in production volumes and keeping up with the modernization of equipment, from 2000 to 2002, the brewery underwent reconstruction and modernization works. During the works, storage rooms, filtration department, boiling room and cold chambers were renovated.
After a break of several years, in 2003 the production of non-alcoholic beverages Veselība and Porteris was fully restored. These drinks have been produced according to recipes and methods, developed by Kārlis Zālītis in 1961. This approach has meant that the brewery can deliver consistent flavour and, most importantly, very healthy beverages. Bauskas Alus prides itself on adding no artificial preservatives to its drinks.
In 2005. Bauskas bottling range was expanded and Bauskas beer started bottling beer in PET bottles, in volumes 1L and 1,5L.
In 2014, in honour of the brew master of Bauska beer Kārlis Zālītis, “Meistara light beer” was created.
Between 2006 and 2015, “Bauskas light beer” has won the “Product of the Year” award of the Latvian Traders Association seven times.
Continuing the development of the company, in 2014, the “Bauskas alus” company store “Bauskas Miestiņš un citi labumi” was opened in Bauska, Pionieru street 1k-1. In the store, you can buy the fresh beer, gifts, as well as goods produced by local producers.
Expanding the product portfolio in 2016, the brewery offers a new tea mushroom drink “Dr. Kombucha”. In 2017, the production of the beer cocktail “Festiņš” was launched, which consists of light beer and tea mushroom drink.
In 2018. Bauskas brewery was opened to visitors with brewery excursions. During excursion you can find out more about beer brewing history, beer brewing process and taste Bauskas beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
In the spring of 2023, after a break, the excursions will resume with a renewed excursion program.
In 2021, the first “Bauskas alus” store was opened in Riga – Biķernieku Street 143, in the “Mežciems” shopping center. In 2022, there are already 3 “Bauskas alus” stores in Riga – Biķernieku Street 143, Mūkusalas Street 73 and Nometņu Street 64.
Bauskas alus introduces two new product categories – lemonades and ciders. Lemonades are made from fruits and berries harvested in Latvian gardens. New apple ciders are also made with locally grown apple and rhubarb juices. Products have juicy taste and will quench thirst or will be great to enjoy with meal.

Author: Caroline Porsiel