Atomik Apple Spirit

This isn’t a vodka, although you can drink it in a similar way - chilled and neat, mixed into a cocktail. It’s an apple spirit, and quite a special one.

It was made from produce grown near Chernobyl in Ukraine and it came about because of scientific research. Scientists from The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute and from the University of Southampton were looking at the land surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. They wanted to see what it was like now, almost four decades on from the 1986 accident considered the worst disaster in nuclear history.

Their research included looking at the transfer of radioactivity to crops and showed that in many areas, the land could be used to produce crops that were safe to eat. As chemists, they also knew that distilling the grain they were studying would make it even more pure and they came up with the idea of making alcoholic drinks. “We have used distillation to reduce radioactivity in the crop even further to make a product from Chernobyl which we hope people will want to consume,” they said after the first batch was made.

We realise this product may raise several questions. That’s fine.

It was originally designed to help to communicate scientific points, so questions are encouraged and expected. Firstly, no the drink is not radioactive. Extensive radioanalytical work on the new batches has shown there is no detectable Chernobyl radioactivity.

Secondly, all of the Atomik drinks currently for sale left Ukraine before the invasion. Buying these will not endanger exporters or violate international sanctions.

Thirdly, the money raised by the Chernobyl Spirit Company has been going towards environmental projects in Ukraine. However, now all donations are given to the Ukrainian Refugee Appeal.

You must be over 18 to purchase this product. Please note that we run a background age verification check to ensure that the customer is over the age of 18. For more information, please see our Delivery & Returns page.

We started speaking to the Chernobyl Spirit Company back in 2021. We were fascinated by their work, that they were showing - in one small way - that at least part of our planet could be rehabilitated, mended. Their work was hopeful. 

Now, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the situation around Chernobyl has changed. The Chernobyl Spirit Company have had to cease their distilling, environmental work and scientific investigations. They are, however, making great efforts to help the Ukrainian people and are donating at least 75% of their profits to the Ukrainian Refugee Appeal. 

We aim to do whatever we can to amplify and support their efforts.

You must be over 18 to purchase this product. Please note that we run a background age verification check to ensure that the customer is over the age of 18. Alcohol deliveries are charged at £9 for Express delivery, including the cost of Parcelforce's Age Verification Service. For more information, please see our Delivery & Returns page.

42%ABV, 0.5L. Comes in a glass bottle inside a wooden presentation box.