Ukrainian balsam RUTA won “gold” from the Craft Spirits Awards in London

On 20 November 2023, the results of the professional tasting competition Craft Spirits Awards, which has been held annually in London for 16 years in a row, were announced. Congratulations to the Ukrainian craft balsam RUTA, which won a gold medal at the international Craft Spirits Awards 2023.

Rutabalm was established only a year ago, in the turbulent year of 2022. It is a small family business of a large Ukrainian family. RUTA is not just a craft herbal balm, but the quintessence of the blooming and fertile Ukrainian land. After all, the drink is made from 96 of the best plants collected in different parts of our beautiful country – from Chernihiv forests to Crimean steppes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the meadows of Poltava region.

This drink was created by Oksana Levchenko, a person whose life story has included many positions, projects, and different life experiences. But there came a time when her passion for nature, flowers and herbs, was embodied in the creation of a unique balm.

The fact that the drink is of the highest quality is evidenced by the gold and platinum medals RUTA balsam received at competitions in Ukraine: UKRAINIAN Independent Tasting Competition, UKRAINIAN CRAFT SPIRITS AWARDS, Wine & Spirits Awards (twice the title of the best strong alcohol and platinum medals). And in November 2023, Rutabalm took part in the famous international competition in the UK CRAFT SPIRITS AWARDS and also became one of the winners and received a gold medal.

The CRAFT SPIRITS AWARDS gathers and celebrates the best and most world-renowned producers from all continents. The competition in London showcased many of the most exciting craft spirits from around the world, each competing for recognition and approval. RUTA Balsam demonstrated its originality and high quality. The distinguished jury, consisting of leading European tasters and buyers known for their expertise, recognised and awarded the Ukrainian RUTA balsamic with a gold medal at the Craft Spirits Awards™ 2023.

“The results of the Craft Spirits Awards™, the most famous craft spirits competition in Europe, will hopefully help increase sales of our balsam in Ukraine and facilitate the entry of the Ukrainian craft product into the international market,” said Oksana Levchenko, the author of the recipe and co-founder of the RUTA Magic Potion brand, “Winning the gold medal at the Craft Spirits Awards™ 2023 in London significantly increases the prestige of the RUTA brand and should help further promote our balsam.”

This year, Rutabalm became a part of the WTA 2023–2024 community in the category The Visiting Card of the Country/Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country, and its founder Oksana Levchenko – in the Ambassador category. We welcome you to our friendly circle and wish you to expand your horizons, gain recognition, new awards and victories!