Zirkova Vodka Company

A proud Canadian-Ukrainian, and a true woman of spirit, Katherine Vellinga is the visionary CEO of Zirkova Vodka, co-founded with her husband John. Our journey into the world of fine spirits began with a decision to move to Ukraine in 1997 which led to the discovery of the origins of vodka itself, an industry of women Master Distillers, the finest spirits, the world's richest black earth and breadbasket, a distillery built in 1896 that still preserves classical methods and a story that has never been told. Our calling has been to give vodka lovers the best experience, and to put Ukraine on the map as the birthplace of vodka. Our dream is that every bar, restaurant and retailer serves the finest vodka in the world and supports Ukraine! Zirkova Vodka stands for the freedom to be who you are. We are a purpose-driven company, and have raised over $500,000 for local charities, human rights causes and for Ukraine. We believe that every one of us is a unique and vital part of this beautiful tapestry that we call humanity. In Ukraine, there is a traditional toast – ‘budmo’ or ‘just be’ that acknowledges the greatness in each of us. We are committed to empowering everyone to do just that. To just be. To appreciate and celebrate each other. And to unite through uplifting moments of optimism and possibility. We are a company of women, and this perspective led us to create the first vodka brand to honour how women typically like to drink vodka which is in a cocktail. Zirkova Together Ultra Premium vodka, made in Ukraine, is the world's first flavour-enhancing vodka, that takes any mix that you love, engages with its flavours and elevates the experience to a whole new level. Cocktails and mixed drinks taste better and not bitter and boozy. Our flagship vodka, Zirkova One Ultra Premium Vodka (Ukraine), honours how Ukrainians like to drink vodka, which is straight, in a glass raised for a toast and paired with food, In our culture, vodka is for connection, not disconnection. Enjoy it straight, on ice, in a Classic martini or with soda. We have a commitment to bring Ukraine to every table. When Ukraine was invaded in 2014, we invited prominent Ukrainian LGBTQ activists to WorldPride 2014 with the theme “Rise Up” held in Toronto to ensure Ukraine had a presence in the parade, a voice at the Human Rights Conference and the opportunity to share their story through our Gay Propaganda Information Night and media interviews. Since then we have marched in PRIDE every year. We are global citizens that believe in a world that works for everyone, and that the greatest gift is what you have to uniquely give to the world. Within hours of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we made a decision to donate profits on every bottle that we had on hand at the LCBO, and to use our voice and our platform to help Ukraine. When we could no longer produce our vodkas, we created Zirkova Unity, and launched it on shelves across Ontario in a record 16 weeks. This could only be done through community and what we call the “Magic of Making Stone Soup” which included incredible suppliers, artists that were contributing their art to help Ukraine, and Air Canada Foundation flying the bottles we needed to Canada from Europe, which saved our company. Zirkova Unity is inspired by Ukraine and made in Canada, with 100% Canadian wheat grown by generations of Canadian and Ukrainian farmers, with spirits from the heart of the prairies and water from deep within the Canadian shield. Created by our own Master Distiller from Ukraine here in Canada, it honours her story of bravery, resilience, survival and Canadians coming together to help Ukraine. It is a give-back brand, donating profits to important Ukrainian causes and humanitarian charities. We believe in diversity and inclusion, so our vodkas are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. We are grateful for President Zelenskyy's leadership so Zirkova Unity is also kosher. We say Be Yourself. Mix Well With Others. Zirkova is the very essence of Canada infused into the greatest of spirits from Ukraine. BUDMO!