Vodka Competition Highlights Ukrainian Spirit and Humanitarian Efforts
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America announced Hetman Elite as the Best in Show Vodka at the 2025 competition, highlighting the spirit's quality and its role in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America has announced the results of its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition. Three vodkas made the final round, with Hetman Elite, a Ukrainian vodka, being awarded Best in Show Vodka, which allows it to advance to the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
I recently spoke with Sam Lerman, President of Spyrt Worldwide, who shared insights about his journey into the liquor distribution business after serving as a military advisor in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Upon experiencing the vodka culture in Ukraine, he was motivated to import Ukrainian vodka to the U.S. through SPYRT Worldwide, co-founded with friends who also have military backgrounds.
Lerman dedicates much of the company's profits to demining efforts in Ukraine, addressing the dangerous remnants of war left by retreating Russian forces. These operations, carried out by U.S. military veterans through a humanitarian partner, aim to remove explosive hazards from regions that have been liberated.
He described the vast scale of the problem, with around 54,000 square miles of Ukraine at risk from explosives, and the potential decades-long effort needed to clear them. Lerman emphasized that selling Ukrainian vodka is not just a business—it's a means of showcasing craftsmanship and supporting the economy while saving lives through funding demining operations.
Recently, Hetman Vodka and Ukrainian Spirit have excelled in international competitions, winning multiple awards for their high-quality spirits, produced using centuries-old distilling traditions in western Ukraine. Both brands are helmed by female master distillers and utilize exceptional artesian water sourced from local regions.
Lerman expressed enthusiasm for expanding the distribution network in the U.S. He hopes to introduce the "Kyiv Mule," a vodka-based cocktail alternative to the popular Moscow Mule, while exploring additional Ukrainian products for their portfolio.
Hetman Elite, recognized as Best in Show Vodka, is known for its smoothness and high-quality ingredients, leaving a long, peppery warmth with a hint of sweetness—elevating the vodka experience for consumers.
As a leading trade organization, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America advocates for responsible consumption and fair trade, helping to recognize exceptional wines and spirits.
