Watch How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire

How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that explores the journey of Daniel Edelstyn, a British filmmaker who decides to revive his family's old vodka business in Ukraine. With the help of his friend Conrad Asquith, Edelstyn embarks on a mission to create a new brand of vodka called Zorokovich 1917 and restore his family's legacy.

The film is an interesting mix of history, culture, and entrepreneurship. Edelstyn's family used to run a successful vodka business in Ukraine before it was nationalized under Soviet rule. The family was forced to flee to England, and the vodka business was lost. Edelstyn learns about his family's history and becomes determined to revive the business in Ukraine.

Edelstyn and Asquith develop a plan to create a new brand of vodka that will be based on a recipe that was used by Edelstyn's great-grandmother during the First World War. They also decide to make a documentary about their journey, which helps them to raise funds and raise awareness about their business venture.

The film takes us on a journey through Ukraine as Edelstyn and Asquith visit various distilleries and meet with local farmers who supply the grains for the vodka. We also learn about the history of vodka in Ukraine and its importance to the culture.

The challenges that Edelstyn and Asquith face in their mission are numerous. They have to find a suitable distillery, negotiate with the farmers, and deal with the corrupt bureaucracy. They also have to create a brand that will appeal to the Ukrainian market and compete with well-established brands like Nemiroff and Khortytsa.

The documentary is well-paced and engaging. The cinematography is beautiful, and the soundtrack is excellent. The interviews with the local farmers and distillery owners provide insight into the culture and economy of Ukraine. The film also captures the enthusiasm and passion of Edelstyn and Asquith for their project.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the intersection of history and commerce. Edelstyn's decision to revive his family's vodka business is not just a personal quest, but also a way to reclaim a part of Ukraine's cultural heritage that was lost during the Soviet era. By creating a new brand of vodka based on a recipe from 1917, Edelstyn is also celebrating the history of his family and his country.

Overall, How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire is a captivating and inspiring documentary that tells the story of one man's mission to revive his family's legacy and create a new brand of vodka in Ukraine. It is a film that will appeal to anyone who is interested in history, culture, and entrepreneurship.

How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.