HERITAGE

1842

FOUNDATION

The Mikolasch Vodka brand dates back to its origins in Lviv in 1842, founded by the visionary father-son duo, Piotr and Juliusz Mikolasch. Piotr Mikolasch, a celebrated businessman of his time, is famously credited with inventing the kerosene lamp.
Beyond his groundbreaking innovation, he was also the owner of a prominent pharmacy business, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity.

1855

FABRICA MIKOLASCH

Under the leadership of Juliusz Mikolasch, the family expanded their enterprise by establishing the region's largest vodka distillery and production facility, aptly named "Fabrica Mikolasch."
This state-of-the-art facility showcased impressive innovation, with the capability to produce an extraordinary 200,000 bottles of vodka each day.

1856

EXPERIMENTATION WITH GRAIN VARIETIES

Fabrica Mikolasch established its own niche in the vodka industry by utilising the diverse grain varieties cultivated in the fertile fields of the now Lviv region.
By carefully selecting these grains, the founders embarked on an innovative journey of discovery, uncovering the distinctive flavours and unique characteristics born from the different types of nutrient-rich soil of this remarkable region.

Through bold experimentation and an unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, Mikolasch Vodka has earned global acclaim. Renowned as a leading vodka brand, it stood apart through its consistent use of only local farms and an exceptional commitment to crafting spirits of unparalleled quality, surpassing the standards of many foreign competitors.

Mikolasch began its global expansion by organising exports and establishing strong partnerships, securing contracts with buyers across popular markets such as Galicia, Moravia, Czechia, Italy, and beyond. This ambitious vision has solidified the brand's reputation as a benchmark in the world of premium vodka.

1859

GLOBAL SUCCESS 

Benefiting from the agriculturally rich lands of what is now Lviv region and continued improvements in the refined artistry of distillation process and conscious deviation from the widespread use of essential oils common at the time, Mikolasch achieved an unparalleled reputation for exceptional quality and unwavering consistency.

This dedication to excellence elevated Mikolasch to iconic status, becoming a household name among the affluent and distinguished. Its esteemed clientele has included luminaries such as Pope Pius IX and the emperors of Austria and Russia, further cementing its legacy as a vodka of unrivalled prestige and quality.
Head of the Catholic Church

Franz Josef I

Nicolas I

Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary

Pope Pius IX

Emperor of Russia, King of Congress Poland

1860

HOUSEHOLD NAME

1860-1877

AWARDS 

Since the start of global trade in the mid-1850s, the Mikolasch brand has proudly showcased its excellence at numerous exhibitions, consistently earning the highest accolades for its unmatched quality.
Among its distinguished achievements are domestic recognition at the celebrated 1877 Lviv Expo and international acclaim at the prestigious Paris Exposition Universelle, continuing to underscore Mikolasch’s enduring legacy as a symbol of craftsmanship and excellence.

1903

NEW PARTNERSHIPS 

A share of Fabrica Mikolasch business is acquired by Jacob Shprekher, a passionate and visionary investor committed to elevating the brand and driving its growth to new heights. 
Simultaneously, the Mikolasch family, having reached the pinnacle of their business success, undertakes the construction of a magnificent trade arcade in the heart of Lviv, a testament to family legacy and influence.

1933

POST-PROHIBITION USA EXPANSION

Following the repeal of Prohibition in the United States in 1933, the Mikolasch brand embarked on a dynamic expansion into what was then the world’s largest premium market.
With a comprehensive rebranding effort, Mikolasch was strategically positioned as a luxury product, showcased in distinctive and elegantly designed bottles—an exceptional rarity for its time.
During the turbulent times of World War II, as conflicts ravaged Eastern Europe and Ukraine, the Mikolasch Vodka distillery, together with most of the city, endured relentless bombardments from both ground and air forces.
These devastating attacks began with the infamous 1939 Siege of Lviv and continued through the harrowing events of the 1941 "pogroms", among other significant upheavals of the era.

1939-1945

THE DECLINE OF EUROPE

2000s

MODERN DAY

In the aftermath of World War II, the location of the primary production facility in Lviv was faced significant challenges, reduced capacity and later a change in ownership. This turning point led the Mikolasch brand to stop production throughout the second part of 20th Century.
In the 21st Century, the brand transitioned its production operations to the quaint town of Lutsk with the nearby regions of Lviv, Volyn and Vinnytsya regions continuing to be the source of organic grain.
The modern facility now serves as the heart of Mikolasch’s production, from where the brand continues to craft its renowned vodka and export it to markets worldwide.