These days, when one thinks of Ukraine, the mind too often turns immediately to one topic: war. Yet beyond the headlines and hardship, the spirit of this resilient nation continues to shine through, not only in its ability to defend itself, but in its unwavering commitment to create, produce, and share its cultural treasures with the world. One such treasure is a historic Ukrainian vodka, Ukrainian Spirit, recently introduced to us by SPYRT Worldwide, a company devoted to elevating Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and showcasing its exceptional vodka, wine, and traditional snacks.
The kosher-certified Ukrainian Spirit, produced in the city of Lutsk in the Volyn region, traces its lineage back to 1838. That year, Berko and Tsiva Schneider established a brewery that would evolve into a cornerstone of the region’s beverage industry. Their enterprise included a brewery, mill, malt house, drying facility, warehouses, and a shop, an impressive operation for its time. In 1907, the brewery passed to their three sons, Hersch, Idel, and Srul, who continued operations under the name Schneider Brothers Brewery. Following nationalization in the 1940s, the historic site became the foundation of the Lutsk Distillery Combine.
Today, Ukrainian Spirit honors that legacy by crafting vodka using mineral-rich water drawn from the ancient Volyn forest and premium grains cultivated in Ukraine’s fertile soils. Traditional Ukrainian distillation methods remain at the heart of the process, but what truly sets the brand apart is its Single Water technology. This approach uses crystal-clear artesian water, sourced from depths of the Volyn-Podilsk artesian water basin, at every stage of production, from spirit creation to dilution. The result is a seamless union of Lux-grade spirit and naturally pure water, preserving mineral integrity and delivering remarkable clarity.
Thanks to this careful craftsmanship, Ukrainian Spirit emerges as a premium vodka defined by its softness, delicacy, and absence of harsh aftertaste. Each batch is aged for at least 30 days before bottling, a step that ensures optimal purity and a refined drinking experience. The vodka is crystal clear, with a smooth, balanced profile featuring light fruit sweetness, subtle cereal notes, and a clean finish accented by a gentle astringency. It is as enjoyable sipped neat as it is mixed into a favorite cocktail.
The brand’s portfolio extends beyond its flagship vodka, offering Ukrainian Spirit Cranberry, Bison Grass, and Pepper flavored vodkas, as well as Ukrainian Soul. For collectors and enthusiasts, Ukrainian Spirit also produces limited-edition 3-liter and 6-liter bottles, the latter dramatically packaged inside a repurposed artillery shell canister, a striking symbol of perseverance transformed into celebration.
In a moment when Ukraine’s resolve inspires the world, Ukrainian Spirit stands as a testament to the country’s enduring craftsmanship, cultural pride, and unbreakable spirit.
