Kalnapilis Brewery - Kalnapilis Grand Select

Kalnapilis Grand Select is a refined European-style lager brewed by Kalnapilis Brewery in Panevėžys, Lithuania, a brewery with roots dating back to 1902. Crafted as a premium expression within the Kalnapilis lineup, Grand Select reflects the brewery’s focus on balance, drinkability, and polished execution, blending traditional Central and Eastern European lager influences with modern brewing precision. The beer pours a bright, pale golden color with excellent clarity and a lively white head. Aromatically, it offers clean notes of light grain, fresh bread, and subtle floral hops, staying crisp and restrained. On the palate, Kalnapilis Grand Select is smooth and well-balanced, showcasing a gentle malt sweetness up front that transitions into soft herbal bitterness. The body is light to medium, with bright carbonation that enhances its refreshing character. The finish is clean, dry, and slightly crisp, encouraging repeat pours without palate fatigue. Approachable yet refined, Grand Select pairs easily with a wide range of foods, including grilled sausages, roasted chicken, schnitzel, fried fish, or mild cheeses. Its clean profile also makes it a reliable companion to lighter fare such as salads or simple pasta dishes. Best served well chilled, Kalnapilis Grand Select is a classic, easy-drinking lager that highlights the brewery’s long-standing expertise in producing consistent, high-quality beers with broad appeal.

Kalnapilis Brewery was established in 1902 in Panevėžys, Lithuania, by German landowner Albert Foight, who built the original brewery and named it Bergschlösschen (German for “little castle on the hill”) due to its location on a high bank of the Nevėžis River. In 1935, the brewery adopted the Lithuanian name Kalnapilis. Production continued through both World Wars and Soviet periods, and the brewery claims it has operated continuously since its founding, a rare distinction among Lithuanian brewers.

Located in Panevėžys in the Aukštaitija region, Kalnapilis sits in one of Lithuania’s traditional beer-brewing heartlands, where fertile soils and abundant grain helped support a strong brewing culture in the early 20th century. After Lithuania regained independence in 1990, Kalnapilis modernized its operations and expanded its portfolio with new brands and packaging innovations, including early adoption of canned beer.

In 2002, Kalnapilis became part of the Danish Royal Unibrew Group when The Danish Brewery Group acquired it; shortly thereafter it merged with Vilniaus Tauras to form Kalnapilio-Tauro Grupė. Royal Unibrew, headquartered in Faxe, Denmark, owns several Baltic breweries including Kalnapilis and Tauras, giving the brand a strong regional presence.