Ustianochka Vodka

Margaret Bayuk, a 74-year-old Slovakian immigrant and longtime Beaver Falls resident, embarked on a quest to find the perfect vodka after dozens of tastings and visits to Russian distilleries across the country. She discovered Ustianochka, crafted with pristine Arctic spring water and the finest grains, distilled multiple times and platinum-filtered using old blending techniques. To bring the vodka to Pennsylvania, Bayuk established Amruss Inc. in 2009. The first bottles arrived in Pennsylvania liquor stores in September 2012, after navigating years of strict alcohol regulations. The brand became exclusively available through Pennsylvania's state-run liquor system, achieving modest sales of approximately 20 cases per week, primarily around Pittsburgh. In 2022, when Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board banned Russian-sourced products following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Bayuk found herself with approximately 30,000 unsold bottles and sought an exemption from Governor Tom Wolf.

Distilled five times in column stills using pristine Arctic spring water and premium grains. Platinum filtration process employed for exceptional purity. Small-batch production using traditional blending techniques ensures consistent quality and smooth character.