Džiugas

The origin of the name "Džiugas" comes from one of the most beautiful folklore legends about the mighty warrior Džiugas, who defended Samogitia from invaders. One day, Džiugas met Austelė, a farmer’s daughter, fell in love, and married her. According to Samogitian traditions, on their wedding night, newlyweds were to press a cheese and later present it to the wedding guests. The cheese pressed by Džiugas and Austelė was so firm, large, and delicious that it soon became a regular tradition.

However, as time passed, even the most beautiful love stories encounter sorrow, and one day, Džiugas lost his beloved Austelė. Overcome with grief, he built a hill with his own hands, which still adorns the Telšiai region today. This is how the "Džiugas" cheese got its name.

The taste of "Džiugas" cheese is well-known to cheese connoisseurs both in Lithuania and abroad.

This hard cheese is made from just four ingredients—milk from free-grazing cows during the summer, starter culture, non-animal rennet, and salt. Its color and flavor are gifted by nature, as it contains no artificial coloring or preservatives. Perfect for vegetarians, this cheese is lactose-free and rich in phosphorus, calcium, and protein.

The "Džiugas" cheese is protected by a geographical indication, making it special not only for its heritage but also because it is aged while listening to symphonies by M. K. Čiurlionis and Oginskis. In 2010, the cheese gained distinguished godparents—His Excellency Valdas Adamkus and Alma Adamkienė.

The uniqueness of "Džiugas" has also been recognized by cheese experts worldwide, boasting 90 international awards, including DLG, Crystal Taste, Superior Taste Award, Anuga, and many more.