As part if the region in which vodka was born, Ukraine has a long vodka distilling history, combining Polish and Russian production influences with a unique local heritage and access to pure ingredients. Staritsky &  Levitsky Reserve Vodka, the company's first export vodka, is based on a century old recipe and uses selected Ukrainian grains, harvested from the most fertile soils in Europe, the bread basket of Europe. This exceptional spirit is combined with mineral spring water from the protected nature of the Carpathian Mountains and bottled in the historic town of Lviv, in the west of Ukraine near the Polish border. 

The brand name references the collaboration of two prominent representatives of the 19^th century Ukrainian Golden Age, a period during which  Ukraine went through a cultural Renaissance (not unlike the current Ukrainian situation), and which represents the roots and the DNA of S&L vodka. 

CEO Blaine Rowlette, who previously worked for Brown-Forman, SPI, Allied Domecq and SABMiller, and was part of the team responsible for Finlandia's success in Poland and Central Europe, stated “While Ukraine is relatively unknown as an alcohol exporter and producer, is one of the best kept vodka secrets with truly superior products and unique tastes. Within Ukraine, I think Staritsky & Levitsky, the only local superpremium brand, is top of this field and I am committed to introduce this superior product to a much broader audience". 

Currently, Staritsky & Levitsky is available in eight different markets and it is looking to go global. Despite - but also due to - the current, challenging conditions in the country, the spotlight has been on Ukraine and - driven by the huge goodwill towards the country - Blaine Rowlette insists the time is right to expand the exports of Staritsky & Levitsky and position it as a fresh alternative to other regional products from the vodka belt.