RUTA #97
RUTA – Unique craft herbal balm
RUTA is a craft herbal balm created from 96 of the best botanicals collected from different parts of our beautiful Ukraine – from Chernihiv forests to Crimean steppes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the meadows of Poltava region. Many of these plants have long been known for their magical properties that give strength and protection. Some of them are endemic. The balm is made by alcohol maceration of berries, flowers, herbs, roots and spices. This is followed by a blending process with the addition of prepared water, high-quality alcohol and sugar syrup. The alcohol content is 36% by volume, sugar – 169 g/l. The balm does not contain any colouring or flavouring agents. RUTA was born in the stormy year of 2022… It helped us to hold on and believe even then. It took about two years of research, experiments, mistakes and discoveries to create it. And today it is a small family business of a large Ukrainian family. The drink was created by Oksana Levchenko, a person whose life story includes many positions, projects, and different life experiences.
Not a goal, but a GOAL
A new Instagram blog dedicated to the flora surrounding us recently emerged, unveiling a passion project with a purpose. Oksana Levchenko found herself compelled to craft an herbal balm using indigenous herbs and flowers sourced from the expansive landscapes of Ukraine. “My love for plants has been a constant in various forms for quite some time. They serve as my primary allies, offering solace, revitalization, healing, and comfort. Following a prolonged hiatus, my youthful botanical interests and research have resurfaced, allowing me to reconnect with what once captivated me and provided boundless energy,” shared Oksana Levchenko.
Why RUTA?
No other name could be more fitting. Chervona Ruta (Red Ruta) is a mystical flower, celebrated in legends and songs, deeply ingrained in the memories of all Ukrainians since childhood. However, the enchantment associated with this flower leans more towards matters of the heart than botanical facts. The Carpathian Rhododendron goes by the name Chervona Ruta, despite its pink blossoms. Meanwhile, the true Ruta fragrant, undergoes a captivating transformation, turning its yellow flowers red once a year. Oksana Levchenko expressed her connection to flora, stating, “I’ve been a plant enthusiast in various forms for a significant period. They are my foremost allies, bringing serenity, revitalization, healing, and solace. Following an extended hiatus, my youthful botanical interests and research have rekindled, allowing me to rediscover the enchantment that once captivated me and fueled my energy.”
Legends about RUTA
The gardeners call Ruta the monarda, which came to us from overseas and liked it very much. This particular Ruta-Monarda is planted every spring by hand. The plant chain stretches across Ukraine. On the slopes of the Carpathians, herbalists collect aromatic herbs. In the Chernihiv region, strong roots are extracted from the ground. Fragrant flowers and berries come from Vinnytsia and Poltava regions. Thyme and Tatar tea must come from the Crimea. In every sip of RUTA – the plant code of Ukraine.
RUTA – Ukrainian bitter liqueur
Our balsam is not a medicine, but rather a delicious alcoholic beverage with a very complex and pleasant aroma and flavour profile. It is a classic digestif. We do not cold-filter the balsam to preserve all the shades of flavours and aromas that nature gives us. According to the European classification of alcoholic beverages, RUTA is a bitter liqueur.
What does RUTA taste like?
RUTA has a Ukrainian character. It is soft, rounded, fragrant. At the same time, it is strong and has an extraordinary power to invigorate the body and soul. The floral composition is well balanced and creates a complex aroma with notes of berries, herbs, spices and citrus. The taste combines spicy, spicy and sweet-bitter tones. RUTA is also an excellent base for cocktails of varying complexity. In November 2023, RUTA took part in the famous international competition in the UK – CRAFT SPIRITS AWARDS, which took place in London. At this competition, RUTA became one of the winners and received a gold medal.
Reviews
I would like to draw your attention to a wonderful balsamic – RUTA bitters, which gained the highest score, regardless of category (as they say in boxing: pound to pound), at the second prestigious all-Ukrainian competition among spirits! Multifaceted and bright aromas, excellent balance, and a long aftertaste. An interesting thing for mixological experiments!
The drink is suitable for a long and thoughtful analysis and, at the same time, due to its balance, there are no sharp corners that would stop you from simply enjoying the drink without unnecessary thought… It is definitely a national treasure, I will return to this drink… yes: a brilliant Ukrainian drink that I, unfortunately, did not know about before.
When guests come to my place and we have time and opportunity to taste my drinks, Ruta is always the final chord. I talk about this amazing drink, my friends, and their work. Everyone who tastes it is delighted!