Kontapel

Kontapel

History

The story of the Kontapel brand begins in the not-so-distant year of 2018, when brothers Roman and Andrii Pelekh, in a village in Zakarpattia, accidentally discovered a true treasure of Ukrainian national traditions. While buying a small rural house, the guys found a deep cellar containing just over 90 liters of Kontabas, bottled back in 1993. Along with it, they found a plain school notebook with recipes for various drinks and dishes dating back to the 18th century. The house had belonged to an elderly Ukrainian from Zhytomyr. Long ago, he moved to Zakarpattia, and in 2018, he passed away without close relatives, leaving the house without heirs.

Along with the Kontabas, other objects of the alcoholic culture of that time were also discovered, such as young grape wine and beer from the Austro-Hungarian Empire era. However, the greatest treasure turned out to be the distillate on blackcurrant buds. After studying this drink, the decision was made to revive it in contemporary Ukrainian culture in its authentic form and taste, of course, according to the ancient recipe.

History

After a while, to raise funds for the production of the Kontabas drink, a brand was created consisting of the words 'Kontabas' and the surname 'Pelekh' — Kontapel. The plan was for the brothers to sell 400 bottles of 1993 Kontabas blended with younger Kontabas and use the proceeds to establish a production facility, which was successfully accomplished.

This hard work is rewarded by the truly divine taste and aroma of Kontabas. As early as the 17th century, wealthy Ukrainian nobles gladly made this drink for themselves and rarely sold it to outsiders.

Product Lineup

Kontabas Smoke

Kontabas Smoke

700ml bottle

Kontabas “Smoke” is a true masterpiece created for connoisseurs of complex flavor profiles. This drink is enriched with a unique aroma and taste thanks to its one-year aging in barrels previously used for peat whiskey, followed by an additional month of aging in new Ukrainian oak barrels. Notes of tobacco and dried fruit add a distinctive nuance to this Kontabas, making it unparalleled.

Kontabas Authentic

Kontabas Authentic

700ml bottle

Kontabas “Authentic” is a true representation of Ukrainian history. Created according to an ancient recipe by the Pelekh brothers, this drink impresses with its deep taste and aroma, transporting us to the 16th century. Its rich bouquet is reminiscent of the times when Ukrainians enjoyed exquisite beverages, rivaling the best whiskey and cognac.

Kontabas Oak

Kontabas Oak

700ml bottle

Kontabas “Oak” is a modern embodiment of the traditional Ukrainian drink, aged in new Ukrainian oak barrels. Blackcurrant buds, aged on grain distillate according to a recipe found deep in Zakarpattia, create a drink with a deep oak flavor, subtle hints of coffee, and refined astringency. It is a sophisticated beverage for true gourmets.

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The Story Behind Kontapel

Learn the story of the Pelekh brothers and the origins of Kontabas.

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Tasting Kontabas

Learn about the unique taste of this century old Ukranian spirit.

Kontapel Photos