The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America has announced the results of its 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition, highlighting three outstanding vodkas, with Hetman Elite taking the title of Best in Show Vodka. This recognition allows Hetman Elite to advance to the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In a conversation with Sam Lerman, CEO of Spyrt Worldwide, he discussed how his Ukrainian vodka company plays a significant role in aiding the nation amid its conflict with Russia.

Lerman transitioned to the beverage industry following a military career, prompted by his experiences during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, he volunteered as a military advisor to Ukraine and, during his time in a Ukrainian safe house, he developed a strong affinity for local vodka, particularly Hetman Vodka. His frustration with the limited availability of these products in the U.S. led him and his partners—a retired Marine and a Ukrainian veteran—to establish SPYRT Worldwide to import Ukrainian vodka.

Spyrt Worldwide commits much of its profits to fund demining operations in Ukraine. These efforts are crucial, as Russian forces often leave behind explosive hazards, posing significant risks to civilians in liberated areas. Lerman partners with Invictus Global Response, a nonprofit organization staffed by U.S. military veterans specializing in explosive ordnance disposal. They conduct demining operations and provide training to local organizations, as thousands of civilians have already suffered from landmine incidents since the onset of the war.

The vodka brands represented by Spyrt, such as Hetman and Ukrainian Spirit, are distinguished by their quality, which has been recognized in international competitions. They blend traditional production methods with modern techniques, using excellent artesian water for distillation. Hetman Vodka, for instance, has its water sourced from the Carpathian Mountains and is praised for its smoothness and exceptional taste.

Looking ahead, Lerman aims to expand distribution across the U.S. and promote Ukrainian vodka, utilizing the concept of "Wine and Spirits Diplomacy" to support Ukraine’s economy. He hopes that by introducing these exceptional vodka products to American consumers, they can contribute to both economic recovery and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, embodying a commitment to demining the country, one vodka shot at a time.

Finalists of the 2025 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition:

1. Hetman Elite Vodka

   • ABV: 40%
   • Price: $35
   • Known for its smooth and complex flavor profile, Hetman Elite is distilled multiple times for purity and uses corn and water from the Carpathian mountains.

2. Ukrainian Spirit Vodka

   • ABV: 40%
   • Price: $25
   • Offers a clean and crisp taste with notes of cereal, vanilla, and subtle spice, delivering a refreshing finish.

3. Utopia Vodka

   • ABV: 40%
   • Price: $18
   • A premium American vodka, crafted from corn and wheat, noted for its smoothness and versatility in cocktails.

For more information on these vodkas, visit Spyrt Worldwide and Ukrainian Spirit.