The journey of Kontapel begins not in a sleek corporate boardroom but in a quiet Ukrainian village in Zakarpattia, where, in 2018, brothers Roman and Andrii Pelekh stumbled upon a treasure trove of history. While purchasing an old rural house, they discovered a deep cellar filled with bottles of Kontabas, a traditional Ukrainian distillate, carefully stored since 1993. Alongside it lay an unassuming school notebook containing handwritten recipes dating as far back as the 18th century.

The house had once belonged to an elderly Ukrainian man from Zhytomyr who had preserved these traditions but passed away without heirs, leaving behind a liquid legacy. Among the relics of Ukrainian alcohol culture, including young grape wine and even beer from the Austro-Hungarian Empire era, one spirit stood out—the distillate made from blackcurrant buds. Intrigued, the brothers decided not just to savor this piece of history but to revive it for the world to experience.

From Family Secret to National Treasure

Inspired by their discovery, Roman and Andrii worked tirelessly to bring Kontabas back to life, ensuring it remained true to its historic roots. To fund the endeavor, they created Kontapel, blending the words Kontabas and their surname, Pelekh. Their initial plan was ambitious but heartfelt—sell 400 bottles of their 1993 Kontabas mixed with younger Kontabas and use the proceeds to establish a production facility. Against the odds, they succeeded.

But Kontapel is more than just a drink; it’s an experience—a glimpse into Ukraine’s noble past. As early as the 17th century, Ukrainian nobles crafted and consumed Kontabas, often keeping it as a luxury reserved for themselves, rarely selling it to outsiders. Today, Kontapel invites the world to taste what was once a closely guarded secret.

Kontapel

Why the U.S. Market Needs Kontapel

For U.S. beverage importers and distributors, finding a brand that checks all the boxes—authenticity, marketability, and consumer appeal—is no easy feat. But Kontapel is uniquely positioned to stand out in an oversaturated market. Here’s why:

A Taste of the Unknown – In an industry where consumers crave new and exciting experiences, Kontapel offers a rare and rich historical spirit unlike anything currently on the market.

Authenticity in Every Bottle – This isn’t a gimmick. Kontapel is steeped in real Ukrainian heritage, offering a compelling brand story that resonates with today’s experience-driven consumers.

Flexible Import & Distribution Options – Unlike traditional brands that require significant upfront investment, Kontapel supports its U.S. partners with small-batch imports and a self-distribution model, making entry seamless for distributors.

Marketing & Brand Support – The Kontapel team understands that success in a new market requires collaboration, offering marketing assistance, tastings, and promotional support to help distributors build demand.

Timing is Everything – With increasing U.S. interest in Eastern European spirits and craft distilling, there has never been a better moment to introduce a premium Ukrainian brand to American shelves.

A Golden Opportunity for U.S. Distributors

Kontapel isn’t just about reviving an old-world drink—it’s about offering a fresh opportunity to the U.S. market. For importers and state distributors looking to diversify their portfolios, Kontapel presents a one-of-a-kind offering that meets the rising demand for premium international spirits.

To make the process even easier, Kontapel is launching in the U.S. using a self-distribution model. Interested distributors can register for pricing and sample requests now, ensuring they’re among the first to introduce this Ukrainian treasure to American consumers.

The Time to Act is Now

In a sea of spirits that often blend together, Kontapel stands out as a true story in a bottle. It’s a spirit that revives history, honors tradition, and, most importantly, offers a fresh and exciting opportunity for importers and distributors looking to bring something new to the U.S. market.

With heritage, quality, and a strategic go-to-market approach, Kontapel is set to captivate the U.S.—and the distributors who act early will reap the rewards of this remarkable discovery.

Are you ready to bring a piece of Ukrainian history to the U.S. beverage scene? Register your interest today.